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Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
Research Toward a Cure for Perinatal HIV
Kristen Kelly1, Soumia Bekka1, Deborah Persaud2
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Ross 1133, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Insights
Scientists are exploring ways to eliminate the latent HIV-1 reservoir in CD4+ T cells, which causes lifelong infection. This research aims to find cures for children and adolescents living with HIV-1, potentially ending the need for daily medication.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) establishes a latent reservoir in CD4+ T cells in nearly all infected individuals, including children.
- This latent reservoir is undetectable by current antiretroviral therapies and immune responses, making HIV-1 infection a lifelong condition.
- The persistence of the latent reservoir necessitates continuous antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV-1 (PLWH).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review global research efforts focused on therapeutic strategies targeting the latent HIV-1 reservoir.
- To discuss advancements in controlling and reducing the latent reservoir in children and adolescents living with HIV-1.
- To explore potential curative strategies that could eliminate the need for lifelong antiretroviral therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on HIV-1 latency and reservoir research.
- Analysis of global initiatives and therapeutic approaches for pediatric and adolescent HIV-1 infection.
- Synthesis of findings related to novel strategies for HIV-1 reservoir reduction and control.
Main Results:
- The latent HIV-1 reservoir in CD4+ T cells remains a significant barrier to curing HIV-1 infection.
- Current treatments cannot eliminate this reservoir, leading to lifelong infection.
- Intensive global research is underway to develop strategies for reservoir eradication.
Conclusions:
- Effective strategies to target and eliminate the latent HIV-1 reservoir are crucial for achieving a functional cure.
- Continued research and global collaboration are essential to develop curative therapies for children and adolescents living with HIV-1.
- A potential cure could free PLWH from the burden of lifelong antiretroviral therapy.
Abstract:
In virtually all people living with HIV-1 (PLWH), including children, HIV-1 integrates and becomes latent in CD4+ T cells, forming a latent HIV-1 reservoir that current antiretroviral drugs and immune surveillance mechanisms cannot target. This latent infection in CD4+ T cells renders HIV-1 infection lifelong and incurable. Consequently, there is intense research focused on identifying therapeutic strategies to reduce and control the latent reservoir, aiming to avert a lifetime of antiretroviral therapy for PLWH. This review discusses the global efforts for children and adolescents living with HIV-1.
