Effects of Oral Cannabinoids on Systemic Inflammation and Viral Reservoir Markers in People with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy: Results of the CTN PT028 Pilot Clinical Trial

Chronic HIV infection is characterized by persistent inflammation despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Cannabinoids may help reduce systemic in people with (PWH). To assess the effects of oral cannabinoids during HIV, ten PWH on ART were randomized (n = 5/group) to increasing doses Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): cannabidiol (CBD) combination (2.5:2.5–15:15 mg/day) capsules or CBD-only (200–800 for 12 weeks. Blood specimens collected prospectively 7–21 days prior treatment initiation and at weeks 0 14. Plasma cytokine levels determined via Luminex ELISA. Immune cell subsets flow cytometry. DNA/RNA measured circulating CD4 T-cells sperm ultra-sensitive qPCR. Results from both arms combined statistical analysis. IFN-γ, IL-1β, sTNFRII, REG-3α significantly reduced end (p ˂ 0.05). A significant decrease frequencies PD1+ memory T-cells, CD73+ regulatory M-DC8+ intermediate monocytes was also observed 0.05), along a transient CD28–CD57+ senescent CD8 T-cells. Ki-67+ CCR2+ non-classical monocytes, myeloid dendritic cells increased over time There no changes other inflammatory markers levels. These findings can guide future large clinical trials investigating cannabinoid anti-inflammatory properties.