title: Stem cells and immune reconstitution in AIDS.
abstract: The hematopoietic system generally has reserve sufficient to tolerate significant insult and regenerative capacity to overcome most damage due to infectious agents. However, HIV infection results in a progressive decline in hematopoietic function and even in the context of potent, anti-retroviral therapy is able to only incompletely reconstitute immune function. The ability of the immune system to respond to HIV itself remains compromised, a defect that leaves infected individuals with a lifelong dependence on medications. The capability of stem cells and the thymus to restore function and their limitations in the context of HIV infection are discussed in this review.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA. scadden.david@mgh.harvard.edu
authors.forename: David T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Scadden
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology*; D012038:Regeneration