The Barbara Mc Clintock Project to Cure AIDS: Act Up’s Detailed Plan for an All Out Research Effort to Find a Cure for AIDS

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seroconversion, whether of not HIV is directly involved), apoptosis (programmed cell
death that seems to occur more extensively in people with HIV), the presence of a
superantigen, chronic inflammation of mucosal tissues (including the gut, rectum,
vagina, nasal passages, mouth and throat), the role of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in
suppression of HIV, cytokine disregulation (people with HIV have elevated levels of
IFN-a, IL-6, TNF, and IL-10, to name a few), and effects of HIV on the endocrine
system (particularly with regard to cortisol and testosterone levels).
All these hypotheses must be studied in depth, in order to determine their role in
damaging the immune system. Such research is not now pursued by the NIH unless it
appears likely it will lead to a marketable drug.
2. Theories about co-factors which may precede, activate or even substitute for HIV
in the process of immune system damage leading to AIDS.
Up until now, the sparse research on co-factors has clustered around a very few viruses
(CMV, EBV, HHV-6), and has not even been adequate to establish or disprove these
theories. Still to be adequately explored are the role of several micro-organisms for
which strong presumptive evidence has been developed: other viruses (hepatitis-B,
African Swine Fever virus); mycoplasmas; bacteria (those causing syphilis and
gonorrhea); yeast (Candida); and parasites (malaria, amoebiasis, giardia). Investigations
must also be done of the possible immuno-suppressive role (suggested in numerous
non-AIDS studies) of many medications for the above conditions, several of which are
common in the medical histories of people with AIDS and HIV.
Likewise, further work must be done on the potential role of recreational drugs
(including alcohol) in progression. A huge area with substantial - but usually small-scale
and uncoordinated - evidence for co-factorial role are micro-nutrient deficiencies. Given
the widespread use of nutritional interventions by people with AIDS and HIV, nutritional
research must be included in the Project. Current evidence also suggests a possible role
for several chemical and heavy-metal toxins (including cigarette smoke) which must be
explored. Finally, a vast body of knowledge grouped under psychoneuroimmunology -
some of it now specifically based on people with AIDS and HIV - demonstrates
connections between psychological stress, lack of social support, and immune
compromise, and must also be studied.
Equally important as exploring each individual theory will be the integration of these into
proposed interactive models. This multi-disciplinary, integrative approach, so rare in AIDS
research, may hold the key to devising the most effective curatives. Here, too, diversity in
approach should be the guideline in hiring staff and setting priorities. Examination should be
given to the full spectrum of pathogenesis theories, from those maintaining that HIV is the sole
and sufficient cause to those considering HIV a primary cause together with co-factors to those
believing that HIV does not necessarily play a causative role.
Diversity of perspective should also be applied to methodology. Theories should be developed
and tested through both laboratory experiments and epidemiological research, including careful