Methods for Disrupting HIV Latency Using Anti-HIV Latency Agents

Abstract

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Observation of HIV rebound following anti-retroviral therapy (ART) interruption has indicated that the start of early ART is not sufficient to eradicate latent virus reservoirs. Findings in a recent publication showed that HIV viral reservoirs are rapidly seeded, and HIV latency could be immediately established after virus infection.

While ART is able to reduce the spread of HIV and halt disease progression by inhibiting viral replication, the viral reservoirs in cells with latent HIV infection have yet to be adequately targeted through structured disruption. A therapeutic cure for HIV that leads to the elimination of the virus from infected individuals is needed, as well as strategies to directly target HIV latent reservoirs.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed methods for reactivating latent viral infection in peripheral blood samples of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy and for optimizing the process by including additional reactivation agents. These methods would allow for the elimination of viral reservoirs in cells harboring latent HIV.  This is achieved by administering the activator(s) to induce viral replication in a controlled manner, avoiding excessive inflammation, yet allowing the detection of infected cells and their eradication by the immune system and virus specific antibodies and T cells.

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