There is increasing data on the potential for inhibition of immune activation as primary therapy for HIV infection. The rationale of CsA therapy is to decrease T cell activation in patients with early HIV infection. Activation of T cells leads to translation and transcription of provirus, release of viral progeny, and ultimately cell death. T cell activation also leads to increased cell death via apoptosis. CsA is capable of inhibiting both these events and thus may lead to decreased CD4 cell turnover.

This study has 2 arms of 15 patients each. Patients in Arm I receive placebo. Patients in Arm II receive CsA. Each arm is further divided into 2 strata. Stratum 1 patients are not allowed to receive antiretroviral therapy. Stratum 2 patients must receive 1 of the following 4 stable nucleoside analogue combinations:

1. Zidovudine (ZDV) plus lamivudine (3TC)
2. ZDV plus didanosine (ddI)
3. Stavudine (d4T) plus 3TC
4. d4T plus ddI.

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• Are HIV-positive.
• Have a CD4 count greater than or equal to 500/mm3.
• Have a plasma HIV RNA level greater than 600 copies/ml.
• Are over 18 years of age.
• Agree to practice abstinence or use barrier methods of birth control during the study.

Exclusion Criteria

You will not be eligible for this study if you:

• Have a history of an AIDS-defining illness, autoimmune disease, or hypertension.
• Have renal disease.
• Have any active infection other than HIV.
• Have used certain antiretroviral medications.
• Are pregnant.