Engineered Immune Cells Suppress H.I.V. for 92 Weeks in 2 Patients After 1 Infusion
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 11
Engineered Immune Cells Suppress H.I.V. for 92 Weeks in 2 Patients After 1 Infusion
10 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 11
Two trial participants kept H.I.V. at undetectable levels for 92 and 48 weeks after a single infusion of their own engineered immune cells, while stopping antiretroviral drugs the day of treatment.
The modified T cells were built with two HIV-binding molecules—one to kill infected cells and one to shield the infused cells from infection—an approach researchers say may explain the sustained control.
Three of three participants treated within months of infection showed some degree of viral control, including one partial response lasting 12 weeks, while three treated later did not respond and resumed standard therapy.
Seven patients have been treated so far, making the findings an early proof of concept rather than a near-term therapy; researchers plan a larger study later this year.
More than 40 million people live with H.I.V., and experts say the challenge now is turning an invasive, costly cell therapy into scalable options that could support a functional cure.
With a potential one-shot cure emerging, are the days of daily HIV medication numbered for everyone?
This single shot can suppress HIV for years. What's the biggest hurdle preventing it from reaching millions of patients?
Engineered immune cells are fighting HIV and cancer. Could a disease like Alzheimer's be the next target for a cure?
Long-Term HIV Remission Achieved with One Immune Cell Infusion: Science, Challenges, and the Path Forward
Overview
On May 11, 2026, The New York Times reported a major breakthrough in HIV treatment: a single infusion of engineered immune cells was able to suppress the virus for years. In this pioneering study led by Dr. Steve Deeks at UCSF, two individuals achieved HIV suppression after just one treatment, with one participant maintaining undetectable virus levels for nearly two years. This result serves as a crucial proof of concept, showing that long-term HIV remission without daily antiretroviral therapy is possible. Such an advance could greatly improve the lives of millions living with HIV.