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Gene therapy for HIV infection.
- Source :
-
Expert opinion on biological therapy [Expert Opin Biol Ther] 2015 Mar; Vol. 15 (3), pp. 319-27. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Oct 17. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy has been the big paradigm for transforming HIV infection in a chronic disease. However, it requires lifelong administration as the HIV provirus integrated within infected cells cannot be eliminated and virus replication resumes following antiviral discontinuation. Cumulative toxicities, incomplete immune restoration, elevated cost, drug-drug interactions and selection of drug-resistant viruses are well-known limitations of prolonged HIV medication.<br />Areas Covered: The first proof-of-concept that HIV infection could be cured was the Berlin patient. By blocking infection of target cells, gene therapy may allow viral clearance from carriers or prevention of infection in newly exposed individuals. Advances in the field of gene-targeting strategies, T-cell-based approaches and human stem cells are revolutionizing the field. A series of ongoing and planned trials are testing gene therapy as HIV cure. The ultimate goal is the elimination of latent viral reservoirs in HIV-infected persons and the need for lifelong antiretroviral therapy. Following a search in PubMed, we have reviewed current gene therapy strategies investigated for HIV infection as well as the latest communications on HIV eradication presented at international conferences.<br />Expert Opinion: Multiple efforts are underway to reproduce the Berlin patient situation by engineering autologous T cells or hematopoietic stem cells resistant to HIV infection. There is no doubt that the major challenge is the elimination of latent viral reservoirs. With this goal in mind, we have entered a new era in the hope for HIV cure.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active methods
Antiviral Agents therapeutic use
Gene Targeting methods
HIV Infections immunology
HIV-1 immunology
Humans
Virus Latency genetics
Virus Latency immunology
Virus Replication genetics
Virus Replication immunology
Genetic Therapy methods
HIV Infections genetics
HIV Infections therapy
HIV-1 genetics
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1744-7682
- Volume :
- 15
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Expert opinion on biological therapy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25323559
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1517/14712598.2015.967208