Is a pacific coexistence between virus and host the unexploited path that may lead to an HIV functional cure?

Viruses. 2013 Feb 21;5(2):753-7. doi: 10.3390/v5020753.

Abstract

The SupT1 cell line supports optimal HIV-1 replication, and prolonged in vitro replication in SupT1 cells renders the virus significantly less virulent. This raises the question of whether the infusion of SupT1 cells could be used as a cell-based therapy to induce a pacific coexistence between the HIV virus and its human host. In a recent study, I investigated this potential therapeutic strategy in vitro. The results suggested that this approach should be further explored in HIV-susceptible animal models. Such studies may lead to the development of a functional cure for HIV infection.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • HIV Infections / therapy
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Virus Replication*