Search

Prevention, early detection, clinical follow-up, organisation and management are key elements in the chal-lenges to be addressed in the field of HIV infection in Spain. In addition to these aspects, research repre-sents a transversal element that is highly relevant for building up a comprehensive response against HIV infection. The evolution of HIV/AIDS research in Spain, major milestones and the development of scientific structures are analysed. An economic description of HIV/AIDS research funding in the context of the whole Spanish R&D system is made. In particular, the impact of the economic crisis and budget restrictions and their con-sequences on medical research are considered. Finally, different perspectives on the future of HIV/AIDS research in the global scientific situation are discussed., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Research carried out on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection illustrates the speed in the transfer of knowledge obtained from basic research to the treatment of patients. Due to studying the viral life cycle and structure and function of HIV proteins, there are currently more than 20 drugs available to treat infected patients. In this article a review is carried out on the biological cycle of HIV, highlighting those steps that represent preferential targets for pharmacological intervention. In the second part of the article, the characteristics of the main antiretroviral families that form the basis of classic antiretroviral treatment are summarised as well as reviewing the recently introduced drugs which are directed at new targets. Finally, an assessment is made of the new prototypes that are in the pre-clinical development phase and which will strengthen the future therapeutic arsenal against HIV infection.

The uncontrolled progression of the aids epidemic has made the development of an efficacious human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine a major objective of scientific research. No effective preventive vaccine against HIV is currently available and sterilizing immunity has not yet been achieved in animal models. This review analyses the major challenges in developing an aids vaccine, in particular the mechanisms involved in viral escape from the immune response, and summarizes the results obtained with the different prototypes of therapeutic and preventive vaccines. Finally, social, economic and healthcare aspects of research into HIV vaccines and current controversies regarding the development of clinical trials are discussed., (Copyright © 2005 Elsevier España S.L. All rights reserved.)

The progressive and irreversible destruction of the immune system represents the hallmark of HIV infection. Even though this process is directly related to the infection of CD4 lymphocytes, the destruction of this lymphocyte population observed along infection is not solely due to a direct cytopathic effect elicited by HIV replication. AIDS immune pathogenesis is an extremely complex phenomenon involving different mechanisms which are not fully understood yet. In this article the mechanisms involved in HIV infection and destruction of target cells and the immune response elicited by HIV are analysed. Finally, viral escape mechanisms to host immune response are considered.