Primary cell models of HIV latency.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide updated points of view regarding the recent development and application of in-vitro primary cell models of HIV latency and their potential application in future studies of HIV eradication.

RECENT FINDINGS

It has been challenging to develop a primary cell model of HIV latency that can authentically recapitulate the quiescent features of resting CD4+ T cells. Recently, several articles have described different approaches that can generate latently HIV-infected resting CD4+ T cells in vitro. Some of them further demonstrated that the primary cell models of HIV latency are suitable for biochemical studies and drug screening.

SUMMARY

Recent progress in primary cell models of HIV latency has facilitated research on the mechanisms of HIV latency. These models also serve as a platform for the discovery of drugs that can purge the latent reservoir for HIV in resting CD4+ T cells. These studies will allow deeper insight to the mechanisms governing HIV latency and may help identify some candidate compounds for use in therapeutic strategies for the eradication of latent HIV.