Animal models in HIV cure research.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Luca Micci, Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Mirko Paiardini, Emory University; Colleen S. McGary, Yerkes National Primate Research Center
• Language: English
• Date: 2015-01-01
• Publisher: Mediscript Ltd
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2014 The Authors.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://viruseradication.com/journal-details/Animal_models_in_the_quest_for_virus_eradication/
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Virus Eradication
• ISSN: 2055-6640
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 17
• End Page: 22
• Grant/Funding Information: MP is supported by grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award numbers R01-AI110334 and R21-AI104278.; This work was also supported by Public Health Service (PHS) grants RR000165/OD011132 to the Yerkes National Primate Research Center.
• Keywords: SIV; residual inflammation; immune checkpoint blockers; viral persistence; ART; Non–human primates; immune–based interventions
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Immunology; Biology, Microbiology; Health Sciences, Pathology

Abstract

Current HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) successfully inhibits viral replication in the majority of HIV-infected individuals. However, ART is not curative and lifelong adherence is required. Despite the undisputed benefit of ART, long-lived latently infected cells that carry HIV-integrated DNA remain. Hence, upon ART interruption, HIV-infected subjects experience viral rebound. Interestingly, similar disease course occurs in the well-characterised animal model of SIV-infected non-human primates. Using these animal models to investigate the mechanisms involved in the generation of latently infected cells, define the phenotypic and anatomical nature of persistent viral reservoirs, and test novel interventions for viral eradication, is critical for strengthening our understanding of HIV persistence and developing novel therapeutics aimed at curing HIV. In this review, we discuss the current animal models used in AIDS cure research, with a particular focus on non-human primates, and outline the experimental strategies explored in the quest for virus eradication.