Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Hot Immunological Topics in HIV Infection

Abstract

Juan A. Pineda, Jose Alcami, Jose R. Blanco, Julia Blanco, Vicente Boix, Jose L. Casado, Juan C. Lopez-Bernaldo de Quiros and Josep M. Llibre

Incomplete immune reconstitution and persistent immune system hyperactivation in spite of highly active antiretroviral therapy continue to be a challenge. Both facts may lead to an increased risk for AIDS-defining and non AIDS-defining clinical conditions and may also promote atherogenesis and liver fibrogenesis in HIV and hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients. In this article, the use of new markers to assess immune reconstitution and immune activation and the incidence and clinical consequences of immunediscordant response to antiretroviral therapy are addressed. Likewise, the impact of immune dysfunction on atherogenesis and liver fibrogenesis are reviewed. Finally, it is discussed whether therapy with drugs belonging to the family of CCR5 inhibitors may provide additional immunological benefit in HIV-infected patients.