Immune reconstitution in HIV-1-infected patients

Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2002 Aug;3(8):1138-45.

Abstract

HIV-1-specific CD8 cytotoxic and CD4 helper T-lymphocytes, which are respectively the central effector and regulatory cells in viral infections, together with fully functional antigen-presenting cells, are essential at all stages of HIV-1 infection to control viral activity. Recent studies indicate that such protective HIV-1-specific immune responses can be preserved/induced in HIV-1-infected individuals, utilizing strategies such as treatment interruption after early HAART. Despite successful combination antiretroviral drug therapy, strong anti-HIV-1 T-cell responses are often not apparent in chronic HIV-1 infection, diminishing the probability of viral eradication. Thus, the therapeutic use of immunization and cytokines are required to induce and steer immunity towards a desirable outcome. Here, we review and discuss therapeutic immunization and immunotherapy with regard to their potential use in the treatment of chronic HIV-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • HIV-1*
  • Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / immunology
  • Immunization
  • Immunotherapy

Substances

  • AIDS Vaccines
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Hormones