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The Potential of the CNS as a Reservoir for HIV-1 Infection: Implications for HIV Eradication

  • Central Nervous System and Cognition (SS Spudich, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

The ability of HIV-1 to establish latent infection is a key obstacle to its eradication despite the existence of effective antiretroviral drugs. The brain has been postulated as a reservoir for latent infection, but its role in HIV persistence remains unclear. In this review, we discuss the evidence surrounding the role of the central nervous system (CNS) as a viral reservoir and the potential challenges this might present in eradicating HIV. The strategies for eradication of HIV and their application to latent CNS infection are explored. Finally, we outline new developments in drug delivery and new therapeutic modalities designed to target HIV infection in the CNS.

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Conflict of Interest

Bruce J. Brew declares grants, personal fees, and non-financial support from VIIV, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Merck Sharp & Dohme, as well as grants and non-financial support from NHMRC and NIH, all outside the submitted work.

Alessandro F. Fois declares no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia

    Alessandro F. Fois & Bruce J. Brew

  2. Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia

    Bruce J. Brew

Authors
  1. Alessandro F. Fois
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  2. Bruce J. Brew
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Correspondence to Bruce J. Brew.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Central Nervous System and Cognition

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Fois, A.F., Brew, B.J. The Potential of the CNS as a Reservoir for HIV-1 Infection: Implications for HIV Eradication. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 12, 299–303 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-015-0257-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-015-0257-9

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