Pathogenesis and treatment of HIV-1 infection: Recent developments (y2K update)

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the etiologic agent of acqui red immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The pathogenesis of HIV-1-induced dis ease is complex and characterized by the interplay of both viral and host f actors, which together determine the outcome of infection. An improved unde rstanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of AIDS, combined with recent insigh ts into the dynamics of viral infection may provide powerful new opportunit ies for therapeutic intervention against this virus.