Immune reconstitution in HIV-1-infected patients

HIV-1-specific CD8 cytotoxic and CD4 helper T-lymphocytes, which are respectively the central effector and regulatory cells in viral infections, together with fully functional antigen-presenting cells, are essential at all stages of HIV-1 infection to control viral activity. Recent studies indicate that such protective HIV-1-specific immune responses can be preserved/induced in HIV-1-infected individuals, utilizing strategies such as treatment interruption after early HAART. Despite successful combination antiretroviral drug therapy, strong anti-HIV-1 T-cell responses are often not apparent in chronic HIV-1 infection, diminishing the probability of viral eradication. Thus, the therapeutic use of immunization and cytokines are required to induce and steer immunity towards a desirable outcome. Here, we review and discuss therapeutic immunization and immunotherapy with regard to their potential use in the treatment of chronic HIV-1 infection.