Genetically modified immunocompetent cells in HIV infection

Even in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), gene thera py (GT) can remain a promising approach for suppressing HIV infection, espe cially if complemented with other forms of pharmacological and immunologica l intervention. A large number of vectors and targets have been studied. He re we discuss the potential of genetically treated, antigen-specific immuno competent cells for adoptive autologous immunotherapy of HIV infection, Cel lular therapies with gene-modified CD8 and CD4 lymphocytes are aimed at rec onstituting the antigen-specific repertoires that may be deranged as a cons equence of HIV infection. Even if complete eradication of HIV from the rese rvoirs cannot be achieved, reconstitution of cellular immunity specific for opportunistic pathogens and for HIV itself is a desirable option to contro l progression of HIV infection and AIDS pathogenesis better.