Evaluation of Specific Infection-Fighting Cells For Prediction of Immune Response to Anti-HIV and Immune-Boosting Medication

The purpose of this study is to see if the amount of stem cells (cells that can develop into many kinds of cells) in the blood before anti-HIV drugs are taken can predict if the immune system will become stronger after anti-HIV drugs are given and if anti-HIV drugs can restore stem cells. HIV infection has been shown to cause stem cells not to function well. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), which causes stem cells to go from the bone marrow (tissues in the bones where blood cells are formed) into the bloodstream, could possibly help boost immunity after anti-HIV treatment. This study examines the effects of G-CSF in helping the immune system become stronger after beginning anti-HIV treatment.