Advances in HIV Eradication Strategies

Abstract

Although the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy can efficiently suppress human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication, a complete cure for HIV infection cannot be achieved due to the existence of latent viral reservoirs. In recent years, investigation of HIV cure strategies has become a hot topic in the field. In this article, we review the major barriers to HIV cure, compare the progress and challenges of non-specific and specific latent reversal agents in curing HIV, and discuss possible solutions to the current problems.

From a Deadly Disease to a Manageable Chronic Disease, HIV/AIDS Remains a Challenge for Mankind

“…The former uses latent reversal agents to activate the latent virus and then kill activated HIV, while the latter permanently silences the latent virus and prevents it from reactivation and replication. 25 The other HIV cure research approaches include immunotherapy with therapeutic vaccines, or immune modulators to boost anti-HIV-1 immunity while conducting cART, 25 as well as using monoclonal anti-HIV1 neutralizing antibodies. 8,[26][27][28] The HIV Cure Research group of International AIDS Society regularly issues Research priorities for an HIV cure to guide international cure research activities.…”

“…The commonly used methodology to eliminate latent viral reservoirs includes shock and kill as well as the opposite block and lock strategy. The former uses latent reversal agents to activate the latent virus and then kill activated HIV, while the latter permanently silences the latent virus and prevents it from reactivation and replication 25 . The other HIV cure research approaches include immunotherapy with therapeutic vaccines, or immune modulators to boost anti-HIV-1 immunity while conducting cART, 25 as well as using monoclonal anti-HIV1 neutralizing antibodies 8,26–28 .…”