Therapeutic strategies for immune reconstitution in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

SUN Fu-Yan1; LU Hong-Zhou1

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Journal of Microbes and Infections ›› 2009, Vol. 4 ›› Issue (1) : 30-34.

综述

Therapeutic strategies for immune reconstitution in acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome

SUN Fu-Yan¹；LU Hong-Zhou^1,2,3

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Abstract

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) , an infection that destroys the body’s immune system. It was thought that the immunodeficiency observed in this disease was irreversible, despite antiretroviral therapy. Since the 1990s, however, highly active antiretroviral therapy ( HAART) has been used for clinical treatment. It has since been realized that HAART not only suppresses HIV replication but also reconstitutes the immune function in AIDS patients. Recent research has asked how to effectively
reconstitute the immune function in AIDS patients, which involves facilitating the ability of the immune system to normal or near normal levels through anti-viral strategies and adoptive immunotherapy among other approaches. The goal of immune reconstitution is dissipation of the clinical symptoms of AIDS, as evidenced by a decrease in the incidence of AIDS-related opportunistic infections and tumors and a decline in rates of mortality. Through technological developments and better understanding of the immunopathogenesis and mechanisms of immune reconstitution, it is possible to improve the level and function of CD4⁺T cells and to enhance HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte( CTL) immune responses. At present, a number of new therapies and strategies are entering clinical
studies, including the use of various cytokines and therapeutic HIV vaccines.