Exploring the potential of monoclonal antibody therapeutics for HIV-1 eradication

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2015 Jan;31(1):13-24. doi: 10.1089/aid.2014.0235.

Abstract

The HIV field has seen an increased interest in novel cure strategies. In particular, new latency reversal agents are in development to reverse latency to flush the virus out of its hiding place. Combining these efforts with immunotherapeutic approaches may not only drive the virus out of latency, but allow for the rapid elimination of these infected cells in a "shock and kill" approach. Beyond cell-based approaches, growing interest lies in the potential use of functionally enhanced "killer" monoclonal therapeutics to purge the reservoir. Here we discuss prospects for a monoclonal therapeutic-based "shock and kill" strategy that may lead to the permanent elimination of replication-competent virus, making a functional cure a reality for all patients afflicted with HIV worldwide.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology
  • HIV Antibodies / therapeutic use*
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / immunology
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / immunology
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Virus Latency / drug effects
  • Virus Latency / immunology

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41
  • gp120 protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1