title: Current progress and challenges in HIV gene therapy.
abstract: HIV-1 causes AIDS, a syndrome that affects millions of people globally. Existing HAART is efficient in slowing down disease progression but cannot eradicate the virus. Furthermore the severity of the side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant mutants call for better therapy. Gene therapy serves as an attractive alternative as it reconstitutes the immune system with HIV-resistant cells and could thereby provide a potential cure. The feasibility of this approach was first demonstrated with the 'Berlin patient', who was functionally cured from HIV/AIDS with undetectable HIV-1 viral load after transplantation of bone marrow harboring a naturally occurring CCR5 mutation that blocks viral entry. Here, we give an overview of the current status of HIV gene therapy and remaining challenges and obstacles.
authors: Division of Molecular & Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, CA 91010, USA.
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: Chung
authors: John J
authors: JJ
authors: Rossi
authors: Ulrike
authors: U
authors: Jung