It has been shown as being immunosuppressive. "Ultraviolet A1 Phototherapy of Autoimmune Diseases Key words: UV, UVA1 phototherapy, autoimmune, HIV, AIDS Inappropriate immune activation, autoimmune phenomena, apoptosis, and cytokine regulation are important in the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. Immunosuppressive therapy, e.g., cyclosporine A, is being investigated in the treatment of HIV-infected individuals, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation has also been shown to be immunosuppressive. Pure UVA1 radiation (340-400 nm) has been used to treat the symptoms associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)[McGrath et al., 1987,1992,1994; Jekler and Larko, 1991; Krutmann et al., 1992]. CDRH initiated a study to determine if UVA1 phototherapy might also be effective in treating similar autoimmune components associated with HIV infection. OST scientists employed an SLE mouse model to investigate the effect of UVA1 radiation on the immune status, autoantibody, and cytokine production, as well as longevity, because many of the autoimmune conditions associated with SLE resemble those that occur during HIV infection. The first part of this study was completed, and the results suggest that UVA1 phototherapy may indeed be effective in treating similar autoimmune conditions in HIV/AIDS. A beneficial alteration of the immune status and an increase in longevity were observed. These findings are very encouraging because the mice were completely symptomatic and had atrophied thymuses when the treatment regime was initiated, paralleling the later stage of HIV infection or AIDS. The other half of the study is currently underway. (Mice were exposed prior to the onset of symptoms, paralleling the early stages of HIV infection.) SLE mice (MRL l pr/l pr) were exposed to nothing, UVA1, UVB, or unshielded fluorescent lights (simulating a work environment). Flow cytometry of the percentages of CD4 (T-helper/ inducer) and CD8 (T-cytotoxic/ suppressor) cells were determined for the lymphocytes in the nodes and spleens. UVA1 radiation increased the percentages of CD8 cells (p<0.025), while there was little effect on the percentage of CD4 cells (p<0.4) compared to the shams. Unshielded fluorescent light exposure had the opposite effect, i.e., a significant decrease in the percentage of CD4 cells (p<0.025) was observed, while the percentages of CD8 cells were unaffected (p<0.4). One of the most relevant therapeutic effects was an increase in longevity of the UVA1-exposed (66.7% survival) as compared to the sham-exposed (45% survival). These results warrant further investigation because they suggest that UVA1 phototherapy may be an efficacious therapeutic approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as HIV infection and AIDS. [PostMS]" Source - http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ost/reports/fy95/radiation_biology.html

Ultraviolet (like chlorine bleach) kills virtually all germs and virus, not just HIV viruses. That is why soe modern water treatment plants use UV light as a disinfectant. It's easy to kill HIV viruses. What would be virtually impossible is to avoid killing all the live cells in blood or in the human body. Interesting idea, nontheless.

In a dialysis type application, UV light could have the potential to kill HIV, but only in its free virus particle form in the blood. HIV mainly infects T-lymphocytes and other immnue system cells. They actually "live" inside these cells, so an attempt to kill intracellular HIV means killing your immune system cells as well.

As everyone has pointed out the ultraviolet light will kill more than just the HIV it will destroy the immune system as well. The man who had leukemia had his immune system destroyed so he could receive a bone morrow transplant. From what I've read so far he has show no signs of the HIV infection. Pretty remarkable I think.