Implications of the SILCAAT and ESPRIT Trials and the Future for HIV Immunotherapy (Leading Article) (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) (Enhanced Suppression of the Platelet Iib/Iiia Receptor with Integrilin Therapy) (Study of Interleukin-2 in People with Low CD4+ T Cell Counts on Active Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Therapy) (Report‪)‬

BACKGROUND: RATIONALE FOR THE SILCAAT AND ESPRIT TRIALS The results of the SILCAAT and ESPRIT trials of interleukin-2 (IL-2), two of the largest and most costly trials of a potential HIV therapy, were presented in 2009. These studies involved over 5800 volunteers with HIV from 25 countries, and cost an estimated $100 million. In order to best understand the reasons why such an effort was undertaken, we shall briefly summarise the rationale that led to these studies, recap the trials themselves, and discuss the potential for HIV immunotherapy in the post-SILCAAT/ESPRIT era.