CD4 Treatment Test Near?

An article in the August 9 San Francisco Chronicle first reported that Genentech, a biotechnology company in South San Francisco, had been granted permission for human tests of CD4, its genetically engineered AIDS treatment. The company applied for permission in January.
In the week before the article, two people who were considering volunteering had asked us what we knew about the
treatment.
CD4 is the protein found in the CD4 receptor site on T- helper and certain other cells. In the laboratory, manufactured CD4 provides an alternate target for HIV, preventing it from infecting new cells.
There will be a risk for the first person or first few persons who try this treatment, however. Some experts fear that injecting CD4 could cause the body to develop antibodies against its own T-helper cells, making AIDS symptoms worse. Animal and laboratory tests have been successful, but because this drug is so specific for the human immune system, these tests cannot rule out the possible danger.
Despite the risk, CD4 represents an important potential treatment for many people. It should be tested quickly. San
Francisco General Hospital and other medical centers are now preparing to run initial trials.
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