# Targeting HIV and EBV Antigens in Patients with HIV Lymphoma

> **NIH NIH UG1** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2022 · $195,745

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
In this application we propose a novel cellular therapy after autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplant
(ASCT) for HIV related lymphoma (HRL) targeting multiple HIV antigens (gag, pol and nef) with the goal of
depleting persistent HIV infection. In addition, we will also infuse T cells targeting EBV lymphoma associated
antigens (LMP1, LMP2, EBNA1, BARF1) if the lymphoma is EBV positive. Investigators in both centers in this
consortium have developed and optimized strategies to target EBV antigens which have shown promising
results when infused post autograft to immunocompetent individuals with EBV+ lymphoma. More recently we
have developed immunotherapy strategies to target HIV and in an ongoing study have safely infused
autologous HIV specific T cells to HIV+ individuals with the goal of eradicating the virus reservoir. As
antiretroviral therapy does not eliminate HIV in viral reservoirs and HIV+ individuals with lymphoma remain
immunologically impaired we hypothesize that we can take advantage of the lympodepleted environment post
ASCT to infuse autologous HIV specific T cells in a milieu that will promote expansion and persistence.
Moreover, as nearly half of HRLis EBV positive we will infuse EBV specific T cells in this cohort with the goal of
reducing the risk of relapse. In Aim 1 we will conduct a two arm Phase II clinical trial in which we will give HIV
specific T cells to patients with HIV lymphoma early post autograft to all patients and will also give autologous
EBV-specific T cells to patients with an HRL that is EBV+ve. In Aim 2, we will delineate the persistence and
the anti-viral effects of the adoptively transferred T cells. The results of this study will inform approaches to
eradicate the HIV reservoir and enhance immune function in patients with HIV related lymphomas. This
strategy requires a multicenter trial due to the incidence of HIV lymphoma and our proposal is feasible since
CTN has previously conducted a study of autograft in HIV lymphoma. Furthermore, our centers have
extensive experience developing, implementing and completing complex biological therapies with cell and
gene therapy products and have successfully sponsored and implemented over 100 cell and gene therapy
studies under more than 50 investigator initiated INDs, including Phase II multicenter studies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10438698
- **Project number:** 5UG1HL108945-12
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Catherine M. Bollard
- **Activity code:** UG1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $195,745
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-08-08 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10438698

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10438698, Targeting HIV and EBV Antigens in Patients with HIV Lymphoma (5UG1HL108945-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10438698. Licensed CC0.

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