Interferon Alfa Sensitivity in HIV/HCV Persons Before and After HIV Meds

Interferon Alfa Sensitivity in HIV/HCV Coinfected Persons Before and After Antiretroviral Therapy

The chief purpose of this research is to evaluate interferon alpha sensitivity and cell type specific levels of interferon receptor and interferon stimulated genes and proteins in HIV/ HCV (hepatitis C virus) coinfected persons before and after administration of HIV medications (antiretroviral therapy).

We plan to perform liver biopsy by microlaparoscopy on previously untreated HIV/HCV coinfected persons, then give them a dose of peginterferon alfa 2b. HCV and HIV kinetics will be studied. Afterward, HIV will be treated using antiretroviral therapy and the procedure will be repeated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult Human
• Able to provide written informed consent
• HIV antibody positive
• HIV viral load positive
• HIV treatment naive
• Hepatitis C antibody positive
• Hepatitis C viral load positive
• Hepatitis C treatment naive
• Approved to take HIV medications for minimum 9 months
• Willing to use contraception, Life expectancy greater than 2 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant opportunistic infections within 12 month
• Hepatitis B positive
• Evidence of liver cirrhosis
• Decompensated liver disease
• Chronic alcohol abuse
• Allergy to raltegravir, tenofovir, and/or emtricitabine
• Active or suspected malignancy
• Sarcoidosis
• Active TB
• Coronary artery disease
• Uncontrolled seizures
• Untreated thyroid disease
• Untreated diabetes
• Weight greater than 125 kg
• Severe depression or severe psychiatric disorder
• Ongoing alcohol or illicit drug use
• Pregnant, nursing, pr planning to become pregnant
• Allergy to interferon