Immune Reconstitution Strategies in HIV

Abstract

Although potent antiretroviral therapy can dramatically decrease HIV replication and improve some aspects of host immunity, incomplete immune reconstitution persists even after several years of fully suppressive therapy. In addition, long-term toxicities of antiretroviral medications and the probability of developing multidrug-resistant virus with long-term use indicate that alternate means of controlling viral replication are needed for more durable suppression of HIV. Immune-based therapies may help potentiate the host's own defenses against HIV and other pathogens, and may ultimately result in more durable viral suppression and lower incidence of antiretroviral therapy-related side effects and toxicities.