The challenge of finding a cure for HIV infection.

Richman, Douglas D; Margolis, David M; Delaney, Martin; Greene, Warner C; Hazuda, Daria; Pomerantz, Roger J · Science · 2009

review · Level V

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Abstract

Although combination therapy for HIV infection represents a triumph for modern medicine, chronic suppressive therapy is required to contain persistent infection in reservoirs such as latently infected CD4+ lymphocytes and cells of the macrophage-monocyte lineage. Despite its success, chronic suppressive therapy is limited by its cost, the requirement of lifelong adherence, and the unknown effects of long-term treatment. This review discusses our current understanding of suppressive antiretroviral therapy, the latent viral reservoir, and the needs for and challenges of attacking this reservoir to achieve a cure.

Medical subject headings