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Background: People who initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute HIV infection are potential candidates for HIV cure-related clinical trials, as early ART reduces the size of the HIV reservoir. These trials, which may include ART interruption (ATI), might involve potential risks. We explored knowledge and perception of HIV cure and willingness to participate in cure-related trials among participants of the Netherlands Cohort Study on Acute HIV infection (NOVA study), who started antiretroviral therapy immediately after diagnosis of acute HIV infection., Methods: We conducted 20 in-depth qualitative interviews with NOVA study participants between October-December 2018. Data were analyzed thematically, using inductive and iterative coding techniques., Findings: Most participants had limited knowledge of HIV cure and understood HIV cure as complete eradication of HIV from their bodies. HIV cure was considered important to most participants, mostly due to the stigma surrounding HIV. More than half would consider undergoing brief ATI during trial participation, but only one person considered extended ATI. Viral rebound and increased infectiousness during ATI were perceived as large concerns. Participants remained hopeful of being cured during trial participation, even though they were informed that no personal medical benefit was to be expected., Interpretation: Our results highlight the need for thorough informed consent procedures with assessment of comprehension and exploration of personal motives prior to enrollment in cure-related trials. Researchers might need to moderate their expectations about how many participants will enroll in a trial with extended ATI., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests. The authors have no financial or proprietary interests in any material discussed in this article. GdB received honoraria to her institution for scientific advisory board participations for 10.13039/100005564Gilead Sciences and speaker fees from 10.13039/100005564Gilead Sciences. PR received grants from ViiV Healthcare, 10.13039/100005564Gilead Sciences and 10.13039/100004334Merck and participated in a Data Safety Monitoring Board, the honoraria are paid to the institution. CR received grants from Gilead, ViiV, Merck and JJ and payments or honoraria from Gilead and ViiV for viral education., (© 2022 The Authors.)

HIV cure research, a diverse set of studies aimed at eradicating or greatly reducing HIV in latent reservoirs, has become a strategic priority for global AIDS research. However, in early-phase HIV cure research there are ethical challenges related to the uncertainty around potential risks and the risk-benefit balance. Similar to clinical trials in other disease areas, these concerns may impact clinical trial participants' comprehension and decision making. Here we suggest attention to the terminology used to describe HIV cure research that may promote therapeutic misconception, and exploration of the decision-making influences and processes of those who accept and decline participation in HIV cure trials. These data will facilitate efforts to improve protocols and informed consent based on an understanding of participant preferences and needs.