Immune restoration in patients with HIV infection: HAART and beyond.
Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there has been a dramatic decrease in HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Suppressing HIV replication by HAART can result in a restoration of the CD4+ T-cell count and, consequently, a diminished risk of opportunistic infections. However, the degree of immune restoration that can be achieved with HAART varies from patient to patient. It is often incomplete and can be poorest in those patients who, because of their very low CD4+ counts, need it the most. Additional approaches are needed to increase immune restoration still further. Structured treatment interruptions, therapeutic immunization, and recombinant interleukin-2 are three such options that are currently being investigated.
Verheggen
Rita
R
Integrative Medicine Center, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
D016915:AIDS Vaccines; D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2; D024802:Nurse's Role; D012307:Risk Factors; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019562:Viral Load; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
D016915:AIDS Vaccines; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007376:Interleukin-2