Viral infections, including HIV, trigger the production of type I interferons (IFNs), which in turn, activate a signalling cascade that ultimately culminates with the expression of anti-viral proteins. Mounting evidence suggests that type I IFNs, in particular IFN-α, play a pivotal role in limiting acute HIV infection. Highly active anti-retroviral treatment reduces viral load and increases life expectancy in HIV positive patients; however, it fails to fully eliminate latent HIV reservoirs. To revisit HIV as a curable disease, this article reviews a body of literature that highlights type I IFNs as mediators in the control of HIV infection, with particular focus on the anti-HIV restriction factors induced and/or activated by IFN-α. In addition, we discuss the relevance of type I IFN treatment in the context of HIV latency reversal, novel therapeutic intervention strategies and the potential for full HIV clearance.
CITATION STYLE
Bourke, N. M., Napoletano, S., Bannan, C., Ahmed, S., Bergin, C., McKnight, Á., & Stevenson, N. J. (2018, March 1). Control of HIV infection by IFN-α: implications for latency and a cure. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. Birkhauser Verlag AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-017-2652-4
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