HIV/AIDS: 30 Years of progress and future challenges

Abstract

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first described 30 years ago in a report from the US Centers for Disease Control. Two years later the causative virus was identified and afterwards named the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article reviews the progress made in the three decades since the recognition of AIDS and the discovery of HIV, with respect to the virus, the infected cell, and the host, as well as directions for future studies.

Pediatric HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: emerging issues and way forward

“…Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was described over 3 decades ago 1 . Although initially identified as an isolated disease among a certain vulnerable population, it later became a worldwide pandemic.…”

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Cellular Entry and Exit in the T Lymphocytic and Monocytic Compartments

“…HIV-1 infects a variety of cells and tissues; however, the majority of identified susceptible target cells are T lymphocytes and cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage (Killian & Levy, 2011). Activated cells support viral gene expression and production of viral progeny, while quiescent cells promote integration and the establishment of viral latency and/or persistence (Garcia-Blanco & Cullen, 1991).…”

HIV-1 Vaccine Trials: Evolving Concepts and Designs

“…Though these genetic factors can explain about a fifth of the variability in virus control, the question remains to be answered on whether the induction of the same cellular responses can be elicited in individuals who carry different HLA alleles [55]. Moreover, HLA-B57 and -B27 are associated with rapid disease progression in some individuals [56]. …”