T-cell dysfunction in HIV-1 infection: targeting the inhibitors

Since AIDS emerged almost three decades ago, there have been considerable advances in the field of antiretroviral chemotherapy for those chronically infected with HIV-1. However, this therapy is noncurative and as our understanding of HIV-1 immunopathogenesis increases, it is becoming apparent that further therapeutic interventions are required to reverse the devastating effects of HIV-1 infection worldwide. While viral clearance remains the principle goal of HIV-1 treatment, this article describes immunotherapeutic options that target the immunological effects of the virus, to reduce its presence in the body and counteract viral-induced T-cell dysfunction and inhibition. Such approaches may augment existing antiretroviral therapy to overturn virus-induced T-cell anergy in the infected host, improving levels of immune control that reduce viremia and decrease the rate of transmission.