Other methods

It may be possible to trigger the expression of certain HIV proteins in infected cells, thereby making them recognisable to the immune system without causing the release of new virus particles. As part of this approach, IL-2 or a therapeutic vaccine might be used to enhance immune responses against these infected cells. Alternatively, immunotoxins might be employed to selectively kill latent infected cells.

Other strategies have been proposed for HIV eradication, including temporarily suppressing the immune system to kill off inactive infected cells, various forms of gene therapy and even surgical removal of lymph nodes with high levels of HIV activity.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.