New Strategies for a Comprehensive Fight Against HIV Infection using Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) has allowed a long-term control of viral replication and HIV infection has been transformed into a chronic disease. However, ART is not able to eradicate the virus, and high levels of inflammation and immune-activation are observed despite prolonged ART. Consequently, a number of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, are gaining relevance in patients living with HIV. Moreover, the toxicities associated with continued exposure to ART cause several metabolic disturbances with clinical relevance, and the cost of treatment is a heavy burden for the national health systems. In this scenario, new therapeutic strategies aiming at viral eradication are being actively pursued.