title: Immune reconstitution in the HAART era, Part 1: Immune abnormalities in HIV/AIDS.
abstract: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically altered the course of HIV infection. HAART has been associated with a substantial decrease in HIV-related morbidity and mortality and an improved quality of life for many persons living with HIV/AIDS. This improvement is due to suppression of viral replication and subsequent repletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. However, it is not known if HAART can restore the deficits in immune function that are induced by HIV infection, such as anergy and disturbances in cellular phenotypes. In this first part of a two-part series, the immune abnormalities associated with HIV infection will be reviewed, and the concept of immune reconstitution will be introduced. In Part 2, the clinical significance of immune reconstitution will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Agnoli
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents