Primary cell models of HIV latency.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide updated points of view regarding the recent development and application of in-vitro primary cell models of HIV latency and their potential application in future studies of HIV eradication. RECENT
FINDINGS: It has been challenging to develop a primary cell model of HIV latency that can authentically recapitulate the quiescent features of resting CD4+ T cells. Recently, several articles have described different approaches that can generate latently HIV-infected resting CD4+ T cells in vitro. Some of them further demonstrated that the primary cell models of HIV latency are suitable for biochemical studies and drug screening.
SUMMARY: Recent progress in primary cell models of HIV latency has facilitated research on the mechanisms of HIV latency. These models also serve as a platform for the discovery of drugs that can purge the latent reservoir for HIV in resting CD4+ T cells. These studies will allow deeper insight to the mechanisms governing HIV latency and may help identify some candidate compounds for use in therapeutic strategies for the eradication of latent HIV.