Of mice and monkeys: new advances in animal models to study HIV-1 therapy and prophylaxis. (July 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ambrose, Zandrea; KewalRamani, Vineet N
• Is Part Of: Future HIV therapy. Volume 2:Number 4(2008)
• Page Start: 363
• Page End: 373
• Publication Date: 2008-07
• Subjects: animal models -- antiretroviral therapy -- antiviral therapy -- ART -- drug resistance -- HAART -- HIV -- persistence -- reservoirs -- SIV; HIV (Viruses) -- Treatment -- Periodicals; HIV (Viruses) -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.979206
• DOI: 10.2217/17469600.2.4.363
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-9600

Abstract

One of the most significant contemporary challenges in combating HIV-1 infection is the persistence of the virus in infected persons despite potent antiretroviral therapy. Uncovering the requirements for HIV-1 persistence and the development of antiviral drug resistance may be aided by experimental therapy manipulations or invasive procedures best studied within animals. While animal models for HIV-1 infection have revealed important facets of viral pathogenesis and anti-HIV-1 vaccines, they have been less effective in studying HIV-1 therapeutics, drug resistance and persistence. Recent improvements in animal models now enable such investigation. Here, we discuss new and established animal models for HIV-1 infection, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and suitability for therapeutic studies. A better understanding of HIV-1 replication in response to therapy in vivo will improve regimens needed to manage a possibly lifelong illness, may minimize the development of antiviral resistance and may open strategic avenues in eradicating the virus.