Therapeutic targeting of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 latency: current clinical realities and future scientific possibilities

Factors affecting HIV-1 latency present formidable obstacles for therapeuti c intervention. As these obstacles have become a clinical reality, even wit h the use of potent anti-retroviral regimens, the need for novel therapeuti c strategies specifically targeting HIV-1 latency is evident. However, ther apeutic targeting of HIV-1 latency requires an understanding of the mechani sms regulating viral quiescence and activation. These mechanisms have been partially delineated using chronically infected cell models and, dearly, HI V-I activation from latency involves several key viral and cellular compone nts. Among these distinctive therapeutic targets, cellular factors involved in HIV-1 transcription especially warrant further consideration for ration al drug design. Exploring the scientific possibilities of new therapies tar geting HIV-1 latency may hold new promise of eventual HIV-1 eradication. (C ) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.