Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:07
Oral Combinational Antiretroviral Treatment in HIV-1 Infected Humanized Mice
Published on: October 6, 2022
Opportunities and challenges in achieving a functional cure for HIV
Wanying Zhang1,2, Mo Zhou1,2, Jingliang Chen1,2
1Guangzhou Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Infectious Diseases & Immunity
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Antiretroviral therapy controls HIV but cannot eliminate the latent viral reservoir. This review explores strategies and progress toward a functional cure for HIV, addressing persistent challenges.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic remains a global health concern.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) manages HIV but does not eradicate the persistent viral reservoir.
- Lifelong ART adherence is currently required for individuals living with HIV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for HIV cure development.
- To highlight recent research advancements in targeting the latent HIV reservoir.
- To discuss the opportunities and challenges in achieving a functional HIV cure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current HIV cure research.
- Analysis of strategies targeting latent HIV reservoirs.
- Synthesis of recent progress and challenges in HIV eradication.
Main Results:
- ART effectively controls viremia but fails to eliminate the latent viral reservoir.
- Various strategies are being investigated to target and eliminate latent HIV.
- A functional cure for HIV is a key objective in ongoing research.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating the latent HIV reservoir is crucial for a functional cure.
- Continued research and innovative strategies are needed to overcome challenges in HIV eradication.
- A functional cure offers a pragmatic goal for managing the HIV epidemic.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:19Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
00:36Viral Mutations
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...