Stem-cell-based gene therapy for HIV infection

Viruses. 2013 Dec 24;6(1):1-12. doi: 10.3390/v6010001.

Abstract

Despite the enormous success of combined anti-retroviral therapy, HIV infection is still a lifelong disease and continues to spread rapidly worldwide. There is a pressing need to develop a treatment that will cure HIV infection. Recent progress in stem cell manipulation and advancements in humanized mouse models have allowed rapid developments of gene therapy for HIV treatment. In this review, we will discuss two aspects of HIV gene therapy using human hematopoietic stem cells. The first is to generate immune systems resistant to HIV infection while the second strategy involves enhancing anti-HIV immunity to eliminate HIV infected cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / immunology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / virology
  • Humans
  • Mice