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Biomedical subjects

R B Stricker

Publications and source records attributed to R B Stricker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

The Manchester seaman.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

Topical immune modulation (TIM): a novel approach to the immunotherapy of systemic disease.

In this article, we present the concept of topical immune modulation, or TIM. TIM is based on the observation that skin contact sensitizing agents such as poison ivy, poison oak and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) are potent stimulants of the cellular immune system that combats viruses and other pathogens. We discuss the evolution of DNCB as a therapeutic modality in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and we explore the mechanism by which DNCB directs the immune response. The potential use of topical immune modulators in autoimmune disease and vaccine development is also delineated. TIM represents a novel approach to immunotherapy that should have widespread application for immunologic diseases.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

The Maginot Line and AIDS vaccines.

Despite extensive and costly efforts, attempts to develop a vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), have been unsuccessful. Using the Maginot Line as a metaphor, we discuss the reasons why an antibody-based vaccine strategy against HIV has failed. The concept of a vaccine that exclusively promotes cell-mediated immunity against the virus is outlined, and important factors in the formulation of this novel vaccine are delineated. In particular, vaccine adjuvants and HIV peptides that elicit a cell-mediated immune response are crucial components of this immunization strategy. Examination of primate immune systems that resist retroviral pathogenicity will also play an important role in the development of a successful AIDS vaccine.

AIDS Vaccines↗
PubMed1997

Topical immune modulation with dinitrochlorobenzene in HIV disease: a controlled trial from Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the rapid spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, accessible and affordable antiretroviral therapies have not been developed. Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) is an inexpensive contact sensitizing agent that stimulates cell-mediated immunity when applied to the skin. We have examined the clinical and immunologic effects of topical DNCB therapy in a cohort of indigent patients with HIV disease from Brazil. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-five HIV-infected subjects were divided into a control group that refused DNCB therapy (6 patients) and a treatment group that applied topical DNCB on a weekly basis throughout the study (29 patients). Subjects were monitored for adverse clinical events, progression to AIDS and changes in body weight. CD4 and CD8 T-cell counts were also monitored in both groups. RESULTS: Control and treated patients were evenly matched in terms of age, initial clinical status and prior adverse clinical events. The mean follow-up was 19.7 months for the control group and 17.8 months for the DNCB group. Control patients had significantly more adverse clinical events and progression to AIDS during the study than the treatment group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.013, respectively). There were no deaths in either group. Control patient weights decreased over the study period while DNCB patient weights increased (p < 0.001). CD4 and CD8 T-cell counts decreased significantly in the control group and increased in the DNCB group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.031, respectively). DNCB therapy was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Topical DNCB therapy affords a rational, effective and inexpensive treatment approach for HIV disease. DNCB should benefit patients in developing nations with limited access to health care.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Increase in lymphocyte subsets following treatment of HIV-associated neutropenia with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been used to treat neutropenia in patients with cancer and HIV disease. Since lymphocyte counts have been reported to increase with G-CSF therapy, we studied the effect of G-CSF on lymphocyte subsets in HIV-infected patients. Six patients with HIV-associated neutropenia were treated with G-CSF and had significant increases in white blood cell counts. G-CSF induced a significant rise in total lymphocytes, total T-cells, CD8 T-cells, and natural killer cells. A smaller but statistically significant increase in CD4 T-cells and cytotoxic CD8 T-cells was also noted. We conclude that G-CSF has the ability to raise lymphocyte subset levels in patients with HIV disease. The potential immunologic benefit of G-CSF therapy merits further investigation.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗