Infected with HIV for 23 years, but takes no drugs, stays healthy.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: A Sacramento woman who is infected by HIV but lacks any of the symptoms associated with the virus may hold the key to finally finding a cure for AIDS.
In the 23 years since she was diagnosed, Loreen Willenberg has taken no drugs, has no symptoms, and has never been sick, reported CBS Sacramento.
“In a clinical sense, I’m not progressing towards AIDS,” she said. “I’m not progressing towards the disease stage.”
Dr. Richard Pollard told the local CBS affiliate that she’s part of a small number of HIV patients—less than 1 percent—who have the virus, but can control the virus’ natural inclination to damage their immune system.
Per CBS, researchers believe it works as such:
HIV attacks CD4 T-cells, which are basically white blood cells that help your immune system. In most patients, HIV kills those T-cells and replicates itself, while overpowering another type of T-cell called CD8 cells. These are meant to fight off viral infection.
But in people like Loreen, those CD8 cells are particularly strong. They act like soldiers and regulate the infected CD4 cells. This keeps HIV from replicating and diminishing her immune system.
Over the past decade, Loreen has participated in 13 studies. Researchers are desperately trying to figure out why Loreen and other “elite controllers” are able to mitigate the advance of AIDS. There are currently only 500 known elite controllers in the world.
At the age of 61, the next step for Loreen is going to college and obtaining a diploma in bioethics. A degree in bioethics would serve as an extension of the path Loreen has been following for over two decades — she has stayed on top of the scientific studies she’s participated in and served as an advocate to counter the disease for years.