Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Latency Reversing Agents A Path to Cure?

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  • February 26, 2019
Creator
  • Shah, Riti
    • Affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Program
Abstract
  • Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as its namesake implies, is a virus that ultimately causes a deficient immune system that can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Since the discovery of this cytopathic virus in 1983, there have been many scientific advances in regards to its identification and treatment. In 1985, a diagnostic serologic test was developed, and shortly after, in 1987, antiretroviral drugs were introduced. Since these breakthroughs, further improvements in diagnosis and management have been made for individuals afflicted with HIV, including the revolutionary development of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in 1996. Despite these advances, in 2014, there were an estimated 1.2 million people in the United States living with HIV, and an estimated 44,073 new HIV diagnoses. Treatment with cART does not completely eradicate HIV, and interruption of therapy leads to prompt increase in viral load, therefore lifelong therapy is required for viral suppression. This viral rebound upon therapy cessation indicates the presence of an anatomical reserve where HIV continues to replicate, better known as latent reservoirs. These reservoirs are the main hindrance to complete viral remission, or cure. The purpose of this paper is to explore this problem and address the clinical question: Do latency-reversing agents (LRAs) eradicate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with latent HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)? This paper will explore relevant epidemiology, pathophysiology, and innovative research on this topic and then address the question of LRAs’ role in the eradication of HIV.
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  • In Copyright
Reviewer
  • Bludorn, Janelle
  • Patel, Saachi
Degree
  • Master of Health Science
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Graduation year
  • 2017
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  • 03017bbf-d2c5-4c32-b5ff-fb580cd5f16e

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