Eradicating HIV From ‘Hiding Places'. 23/6/09

Lyn’s Comment: One of the dilemmas for effective treatment of HIV is the fact that the virus is not always reachable by existing drugs. The virus ‘hides’ inside immune cells that act as ‘HIV reservoirs’. Scientists have now identified the cells where HIV hides, and the methods the virus uses to escape existing treatments. This opens the way for research into new treatment options, where present treatment can be combined with specialised medication that targets these reservoir cells. Sadly, much more research is necessary before this will be usable in people living with HIV.