2016 study on gut integrin HIV target can't be replicated

Three preclinical studies and one clinical trial could not replicate the antiviral effects of an antibody against α4β7 to treat HIV or simian immunodeficiency virus, casting doubt on a theory that preventing CD4+ T cells from homing to the gut could control HIV infection.

Integrin α4β7 is a surface protein used by CD4+ T cells to gain entry to the gut. A team including NIAID Director Anthony Fauci and Emory University professors Aftab Ansari and Siddappa Byrareddy had shown in a 2016 Science paper that a mAb against α4β7 suppressed viral levels even after discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy and maintained viral control after α4β7 mAb treatment was halted in 18 monkeys infected with SIV. Byrareddy is now a University of Nebraska professor (see "Going Against the Gut")...