Finding a cure for human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2014 Dec;28(4):633-50. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2014.08.007. Epub 2014 Sep 30.

Abstract

Remarkable advances have been made in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection, but in the entire history of the epidemic, only 1 patient has been cured. Herein we review the fundamental mechanisms that render HIV-1 infection difficult to cure and then discuss recent clinical and experimental situations in which some form of cure has been achieved. Finally, we consider approaches that are currently being taken to develop a general cure for HIV-1 infection.

Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy; Cure; HIV; Latent reservoir; Retroviral persistence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Virus Latency

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents