HIV Reservoir: Finding the Right Needles in a Needlestack
Alexander O Pasternak1, Ben Berkhout1
1Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Cell Host & Microbe
|September 16, 2016
Summary
Despite long-term therapy, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoir persists, hindering a cure. New research illuminates the mechanisms behind this persistent HIV infection in individuals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The persistence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoir, even with prolonged antiretroviral therapy, represents a significant obstacle to achieving a functional cure.
- Understanding the dynamics of HIV persistence is crucial for developing effective strategies to eradicate the virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors contributing to the persistence of HIV in infected individuals.
- To shed new light on the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of the HIV reservoir.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HIV persistence in infected individuals.
- Review of findings from Baxter et al. (2016) in Cell Host & Microbe and Boritz et al. (2016) in Cell.
Main Results:
- Recent studies by Baxter et al. and Boritz et al. provide novel insights into the persistence of HIV.
- These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges in eliminating the HIV reservoir.
Conclusions:
- The persistence of HIV remains a major barrier to a cure.
- Ongoing research is essential for uncovering new therapeutic targets and strategies to overcome HIV persistence.
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