CD8 T-cells: are they sufficient to prevent, contain or eradicate HIV-1 infection?

Abstract

The prevention of HIV-1 by vaccination has proven to be a formidable task. In an ongoing endeavor to end the HIV-1 pandemic, scientists seek vaccines that will elicit quantitatively and qualitatively robust B-cell and T-cell activities. Given that cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) play a substantial role in the immunological control of immunodeficiency virus infections, this review will focus on vaccines designed to elicit HIV-1-specific CTL. Vaccine approaches using various HIV-1 proteins or specific CTL determinants, partnered with diverse delivery systems and adjuvants will be discussed. Lessons from studies with other virus models (e.g. gamma herpes virus and influenza virus) will also be ex..