How elite controllers and posttreatment controllers inform our search for an HIV-1 cure

A small percentage of people living with HIV-1 can control viral replication without antiretroviral therapy (ART). These patients are called elite controllers (ECs) if they are able to maintain viral suppression without initiating ART and posttreatment controllers (PTCs) if they control HIV replication after ART has been discontinued. Both types of controllers may serve as a model of a functional cure for HIV-1 but the mechanisms responsible for viral control have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we highlight key lessons that have been learned so far in the study of ECs and PTCs and their implications for HIV cure research.

Automated summary

A small percentage of HIV-1 patients, known as elite controllers (ECs) or posttreatment controllers (PTCs), can control viral replication without antiretroviral therapy. Although these patients may serve as a model for a functional cure for HIV-1, the mechanisms responsible for viral control remain unclear. Research on controllers provides important insights for HIV cure research.