title: Genetically modified immunocompetent cells in HIV infection.
abstract: Even in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), gene therapy (GT) can remain a promising approach for suppressing HIV infection, especially if complemented with other forms of pharmacological and immunological intervention. A large number of vectors and targets have been studied. Here we discuss the potential of genetically treated, antigen-specific immunocompetent cells for adoptive autologous immunotherapy of HIV infection. Cellular therapies with gene-modified CD8 and CD4 lymphocytes are aimed at reconstituting the antigen-specific repertoires that may be deranged as a consequence of HIV infection. Even if complete eradication of HIV from the reservoirs cannot be achieved, reconstitution of cellular immunity specific for opportunistic pathogens and for HIV itself is a desirable option to control progression of HIV infection and AIDS pathogenesis better.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Palù
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Li Pira
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gennari
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fenoglio
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Parolin
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Manca
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000276:immunology; D019264:Adoptive Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018952:Antigens, CD34; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000637:transplantation*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000637:transplantation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015925:Cryopreservation; D000939:Epitopes; D015756:Genes, tat; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006678:HIV / Q000235:genetics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D014021:Tissue Preservation
chemical_list: D018952:Antigens, CD34; D000939:Epitopes