Related Experiment Videos
Immune reconstitution in the HAART era, Part 1: Immune abnormalities in HIV/AIDS
1Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, USA.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically altered the course of HIV infection. HAART has been associated with a substantial decrease in HIV-related morbidity and mortality and an improved quality of life for many persons living with HIV/AIDS. This improvement is due to suppression of viral replication and subsequent repletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. However, it is not known if HAART can restore the deficits in immune function that are induced by HIV infection, such as anergy and disturbances in cellular phenotypes. In this first part of a two-part series, the immune abnormalities associated with HIV infection will be reviewed, and the concept of immune reconstitution will be introduced. In Part 2, the clinical significance of immune reconstitution will be discussed.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically altered the course of HIV infection. HAART has been associated with a substantial decrease in HIV-related morbidity and mortality and an improved quality of life for many persons living with HIV/AIDS. This improvement is due to suppression of viral replication and subsequent repletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. However, it is not known if HAART can restore the deficits in immune function that are induced by HIV infection, such as anergy and disturbances in cellular phenotypes. In this first part of a two-part series, the immune abnormalities associated with HIV infection will be reviewed, and the concept of immune reconstitution will be introduced. In Part 2, the clinical significance of immune reconstitution will be discussed.