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Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays
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Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays

Published on: September 26, 2011

Human retroviruses in the second decade: a personal perspective

R C Gallo1

  • 1Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4255, USA.

Nature Medicine
|August 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Human retroviruses cause diverse diseases like AIDS and cancers. Future research must focus on eradicating these viruses and treating infected individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Human retroviruses employ sophisticated strategies for replication and persistence.
  • These viruses are implicated in a wide spectrum of human pathologies, including Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), various cancers, and neurological and inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To shift the research paradigm from characterization to active eradication and treatment of human retroviruses.
  • To address the significant disease burden caused by human retroviral infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on human retrovirus characterization, disease linkage, and mechanisms.
  • Identification of knowledge gaps and opportunities for therapeutic and eradication strategies.

Main Results:

  • Human retroviruses are responsible for a broad range of severe human diseases.
  • Current understanding of retroviral mechanisms is substantial but requires translation into clinical applications.

Conclusions:

  • The focus of human retrovirus research needs to transition towards developing effective eradication therapies.
  • Improved treatments for individuals infected with human retroviruses are urgently required.

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