NK Cell Mediated Recognition and Killing of HIV-Infected Macrophages

HIV can infect a type of immune cell called macrophages, which persists in people with HIV despite anti-HIV therapy. These cells are a barrier to HIV cure, however, not much is known about how we can eliminate them. This thesis identified anti-HIV antibodies that can target HIV-infected macrophages and developed a modified anti-HIV antibody that can enhance immune killing of them. It also identified types of immune cells called natural killer cells that can effectively target HIV-infected macrophages. These natural killer cells may be used together with anti-HIV antibodies as part of an HIV cure immunotherapy in the future for people living with HIV.