Changes in immunological and virological parameters in HIV-1 infected subjects following leukapheresis

In order to assess immune responses during HIV‐1 therapeutic immunization, a large number of blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are needed. Clinical tolerance and safety, as well as changes in immunological and virological parameters, were assessed, following leukapheresis in HIV‐1 infected subjects with CD4+ cell count >200 × 106/l. PBMC were collected using a Fenwal CS3000 cell separator in 29 subjects with mean CD4+ cell counts of 503 × 106/l (range 172–1,119) and viral load of 2.5 log10 copies/ml (range 200 × 106/l is safe and induces a transient increase in the absolute and percentage of CD4+ cell count without enhancing viral replication. J. Clin. Apheresis 18:55–60, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.