In rare cases, immune system fails despite HIV suppression

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is usually effective at suppressing HIV, allowing the immune system to recover by preventing the virus from destroying CD4+ T cells. Scientists have now identified a rare, paradoxical response to ART called extreme immune decline, or EXID. Five individuals evaluated at the NIAID experienced a significant decline in CD4+ T cell levels despite suppression of HIV below detectable levels for more than three years, according to a report published in JCI Insight.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news