[Perspectives on postgenome medicine: Gene therapy for AIDS]

Following the introduction of HAART(highly active anti-retroviral therapy) marked decreases in AIDS-related morbidity and mortality have been observed. Despite of the clinical success, recent work suggests that there are persistent viral replication in whom plasma HIV-RNA is consistently below detectable level. Furthermore, some experts even suggest that it will be difficult for many of the patients to continue the HAART because of the long-term side effects and drug resistance. Recent studies that supported the correlation of HIV-specific CD4-T cell(helper) response with the control of viral replication in vivo have promoted the development gene-based immunotherapy. However, further elucidation of viral pathogenesis in the patient under HAART will be required to develop the immunotherapeutic interventions.