The Importance of Monocytes and Macrophages in HIV
HIV-infected monocytes and macrophages contribute to viral persistence throughout infection providing an important reservoir of HIV and perpetuating HIV replication through ongoing cell-to-cell transfer of virions. These cells also play a critical role as inflammatory mediators of HIV-associated CNS disease, CVD, and other SNAEs. Eradication of HIV is not possible with current therapy. Strategies toward a cure thus far have overlooked the contributions of non-T-cell reservoirs to ongoing viral persistence. The future challenges for both treatment and toward a cure require the development of innovative and more effective therapeutics that target persistent HIV in these additional cellular reservoirs.
Conclusion
HIV-infected monocytes and macrophages contribute to viral persistence throughout infection providing an important reservoir of HIV and perpetuating HIV replication through ongoing cell-to-cell transfer of virions. These cells also play a critical role as inflammatory mediators of HIV-associated CNS disease, CVD, and other SNAEs. Eradication of HIV is not possible with current therapy. Strategies toward a cure thus far have overlooked the contributions of non-T-cell reservoirs to ongoing viral persistence. The future challenges for both treatment and toward a cure require the development of innovative and more effective therapeutics that target persistent HIV in these additional cellular reservoirs.
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