"The T Cell Activator of Cell Killing (TACK) IT ON STUDY"

"Efavirenz induces pyroptosis of HIV expressing cells via the CARD8 inflammasome. In contrast to most ART drugs, and in addition to its anti-retroviral effect, EFV also induces intracellular Gag-Pol dimerization and premature HIV protease activation, causing cleavage of the inflammasome protein CARD8. CARD8 activation results in the production of effector molecules that rapidly kill virus-infected cells by pyroptosis. This effect of EFV has been called TACK or T cell activator of cell killing. We aim to harness this effect to reduce residual nonsuppresible viremia (NSV) in people on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART). Participants in this study will receive EFV in addition to their stable ART regimen for two months, during and after which we will monitor plasma HIV RNA and markers of viral persistence and immune activation."