Franco Lori1. 1. Research Institute for Genetic and Human Therapy (RIGHT) at Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To collect published evidence in support of a novel immune therapeutic approach to reduce the excess of immune activation that ultimately turns into immune deficiency in HIV/AIDS. RECENT FINDINGS: A large body of evidence has been collected in support of the pathogenetic interpretation that prolonged immune overactivation induced by HIV during the course of chronic infection exhausts the immune system and leads to AIDS. Some groups are exploring the possibility of therapeutic interventions to limit the immune system overload. Cytostatic drugs appear promising candidates to achieve the goal, as they restrain cell proliferation without blocking it. At the same time, they do not affect cellular response to antigenic stimulation, and at appropriate dosages are not immune suppressive. SUMMARY: Presently available antiretrovirals only partially reduce immune system activation during chronic HIV infection. Further clinical research is warranted to test cytostatic drugs to avert immune overactivation and prevent progression to AIDS.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To collect published evidence in support of a novel immune therapeutic approach to reduce the excess of immune activation that ultimately turns into immune deficiency in HIV/AIDS. RECENT FINDINGS: A large body of evidence has been collected in support of the pathogenetic interpretation that prolonged immune overactivation induced by HIV during the course of chronic infection exhausts the immune system and leads to AIDS. Some groups are exploring the possibility of therapeutic interventions to limit the immune system overload. Cytostatic drugs appear promising candidates to achieve the goal, as they restrain cell proliferation without blocking it. At the same time, they do not affect cellular response to antigenic stimulation, and at appropriate dosages are not immune suppressive. SUMMARY: Presently available antiretrovirals only partially reduce immune system activation during chronic HIV infection. Further clinical research is warranted to test cytostatic drugs to avert immune overactivation and prevent progression to AIDS.
Authors: Susan F Plaeger; Brenda S Collins; Runa Musib; Steven G Deeks; Sarah Read; Alan Embry Journal: AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses Date: 2011-09-27 Impact factor: 2.205
Authors: Anthony J Smith; Chad M Toledo; Stephen W Wietgrefe; Lijie Duan; Timothy W Schacker; Cavan S Reilly; Ashley T Haase Journal: J Immunol Date: 2011-04-27 Impact factor: 5.422