Methods and materials for killing hiv infected cells

Abstract

This document provides methods and materials involved in killing HIV infected cells (e.g., CD4 T cells). For example, methods and materials for using one or more Bcl-2 inhibitors (e.g., ABT-199) alone or in combination with one or more agents capable of reactivating HIV (e.g., latency reversing agent) to kill HIV infected cells (e.g., CD4 T cells) are provided.

1 . A method for killing HIV infected cells within a human infected with HIV, wherein said method comprises:
 (a) administering a Bcl-2 inhibitor to said human, and   (b) administering a latency reversing agent to said human.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are CD4 +  T cells. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said Bcl-2 inhibitor is ABT-199. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said latency reversing agent is selected from the group consisting of an HDAC inhibitor, a phorbol ester, IL-2, and a bromodomain inhibitor.