The findings of a new study could lead to novel pharmacogenomic tests to guide treatment of patients diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In a patient outcome study in the Mar. 30 online edition of Nature Medicine, a team of researchers from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that two genes—CCR5 and CCL3L1—are critical in determining the immune response of HIV-positive individuals to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

“The new results suggest we may be able to personalize the treatment of HIV as we might be able to predict, based on the presence of these gene variations, whether someone will have a better or worse immunological response when taking HAART,” said lead author Sunil K. Ahuja, M.D., a professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. "The current debate about when to initiate antiretroviral therapy might need to be redirected toward first assessing who should be considered for therapy, on the basis of [a patient’s] genetic endowment."

For more, see the May issue of Diagnostic Testing & Technology Report.