HIV Latency: Should We Shock or Lock?

Trends Immunol. 2017 Mar;38(3):217-228. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2016.12.003. Epub 2017 Jan 7.

Abstract

Combinatory antiretroviral therapy (cART) increases the survival and quality of life of HIV-1-infected patients. However, interruption of therapy almost invariably leads to the re-emergence of detectable viral replication because HIV-1 persists in viral latent reservoirs. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in HIV-1 latency has paved the way for innovative strategies that attempt to purge latent virus. In this article we discuss the results of the broadly explored 'shock and kill' strategy, and also highlight the major hurdles facing this approach. Finally, we present recent innovative works suggesting that locking out latent proviruses could be a potential alternative therapeutic strategy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Recurrence
  • Virus Activation
  • Virus Latency*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • NF-kappa B