A New Anti HIV/AIDS Strategy: Possible Chemical Induction of Endogenous Type 1 Interferon

ABSTRACT

AIDS is characterized by progressive T cell depletion, immune cells dysfunctions and interferon responsiveness that are driven by chronic activation. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), although effective in improving the survival of HIV-1- infected individuals, has not been able to reconstitute the adaptive immunity. However, ART is neither able to eradicate the virus nor has sufficient immune-modulatory effects to control viral infection. This situation points out the dilemma that current HIV therapy can maintain the disease in a resting state, but not eliminate it. We have described the use of novel chemical agents able to restore T-cell survival by inducing cytokines production. More recently, we suggested a complementary therapy based on the chemical induction of endogenous α/β interferon. We suggest that a therapeutic strategy based upon chemical immune restoration associated with type 1 Interferon (IFN-αα/β) might represent a mean for HIV cure. This finding may be vital for future therapeutic approaches in AIDS disease and the immune reconstitution. Understanding these process can lead to a range of new therapeutic interventions.

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