Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The New York Times - December 21, 1986
George Johnson and Laura Mansnerus
Last week, researchers were astir with news that French and Zairian scientists were working on a different kind of immunization intended for people already infected with a virus - in this case, AIDS.
Even more surprising were reports that tests were being conducted on a small number of infected Africans. Any such human experimentation was believed to be at least a year away.
The scientists apparently hope they can stimulate the body to produce an army of cells called "killer lymphocytes" to attack the virus before it causes the symptoms of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
But an air of mystery enshrouded the reports, leaving a number of questions: What substance was being injected? Were the experiments conducted with the subjects' consent? One of the researchers, Dr. Daniel Zagury of the University of Paris, said he was "under oath to the Zairian Government" to decline comment until results of the program were published in scientific journals.
As they awaited further information, AIDS experts cautioned that the experiments were bound to be preliminary. Even if they succeeded, an effective immunization would be many steps away.
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