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. 2008 May;152(2):201-10.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03645.x. Epub 2008 Mar 28.

Special anniversary review: twenty-five years of human immunodeficiency virus research: successes and challenges

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Special anniversary review: twenty-five years of human immunodeficiency virus research: successes and challenges

R A Weiss. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 May.

Abstract

During 25 years of research since HIV-1 was first identified in Paris, there have been great advances in our understanding of the virus and of the immune system. Practical advances include the early development of diagnostic tests of infection that made blood donation safe, and since 1996, combination anti-retroviral therapy that has great reduced incidence of AIDS in HIV-infected people who have access to the drugs. HIV prevention through behavioural change has been successful, and we do not yet have any safe and efficacious microbicides or vaccines.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(a) Simplified replication cycle of HIV. (b) Scanning electronic micrograph of a lymphocyte releasing progeny HIV.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein gp120 compared with that of H3N2 influenza virus haemagglutinin [36].
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
(a) Changes in five leading causes of mortality in the United States, both sexes aged 25–44 years. (b) Acquired immune deficiency virus mortality in Africa, Asia and the United States 1982–2006.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Typical cause of human immunodeficiency virus infection [58].
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Time-line of milestones and setbacks in the history of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency virus.

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