Immunologic reconstitution in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Effective therapies exist for AIDS-related infections and tumors, but not for the core immunodeficiency.
• The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) persists, complicating treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and investigational therapeutic approaches for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• To evaluate the potential of immune replacement, immune enhancement, and antiretroviral therapies in managing AIDS.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on AIDS therapies.
• Analysis of three main treatment strategies: immune replacement, immune enhancement, and antiretroviral therapy.
• Examination of in vitro antiviral agents currently in clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Immune replacement and enhancement strategies may be limited by persistent viral activity.
• Several antiviral agents, including suramin, HPA-23, ribavirin, and alpha interferon, show in vitro activity.
• Foscarnet and monoclonal antibodies are under consideration but not yet in US clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• No definitive therapy currently exists for the underlying immunodeficiency in AIDS.
• Antiviral agents are a promising area of research, but their clinical value in AIDS management is yet to be determined.