Recently there have been reports in various newspapers about a 'new weapon in the war on HIV' that was discovered by a group in Montreal.
There has been a great deal of hope within the HIV community regarding this report. The group reports that they found a new way to fight - and possibly eradicate - HIV.
The researchers report that the virus in sancutary sites is unlike the virus in the CD4 cells, and as such, is not responsive to current drug therapy. They go on to propose that 'intelligent chemotherapy' to kill the sanctuary cells, could lead to eradication of the virus.It has been known for a long time that HIV becomes incorparated into the host genes. The current antirvirals prevent that virus from reproducing, but does not remove the virus from the host DNA. As long as the virus remains incorporated into the host DNA, there is always a resevior of virus that can start multiplying once treatment is stopped. We are mostly concerned with the CD4 cells when we treat HIV, as it is the destruction of these cells that result in the immune collapse that results in AIDS-related infections. However, HIV infects many cells other than the CD4 cells. HIV is found in nerves, bowel, and many other cells.
The researchers propose that by using 'intelligent chemotherapy' along with current standard therapy, one can remove the cells that act as sanctuary. It does not seem that is a realistic expectation, as one can't kill all the infected cells, as HIV is distributed in cells we can't reasonably kill with chemotherapy.
The researchers are proposing to do a study to test their hypothesis; however, it is hard to see that there will be a beneficial outcome. My own opinion is that they are being overoptimistic in their expectation that they will be able to eradicate the virus.