HIV Reservoirs: Methods and Protocols

This book provides methods and models to study the HIV-1 viral reservoir with the ultimate goal of achieving a functional cure of HIV infection. It is written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series and includes an introduction, lists of necessary materials and reagents, tips on troubleshooting, and step-by-step protocols.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 451 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2023
Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

This comprehensive book delves into the development of innovative methods and models to study the HIV-1 viral reservoir, with the ultimate objective of achieving a functional cure for HIV infection. The book is organized into six distinct chapters, each covering a different aspect of this complex research area.

The first chapter focuses on cell lines, in vitro, and ex vivo primary cell models of persistent infection. It provides detailed descriptions of the various cell types used in these models and discusses their advantages and limitations. The chapter also includes step-by-step protocols for culturing and manipulating these cells, as well as methods for assessing their HIV-1 replication and latency.

The second chapter explores in vitro and ex vivo tissue-derived models, which aim to replicate the complex interactions between HIV-1 and the immune system in the human body. It discusses the use of human tissue cultures, organotypic cultures, and cell-based assays to study the dynamics of HIV-1 infection and the development of immune responses. The chapter also includes protocols for generating and characterizing these models, as well as methods for analyzing their data.

The third chapter focuses on infected animal models, which are used to study the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection and the development of immune responses in vivo. It discusses the use of different animal species, such as mice, monkeys, and non-human primates, and the methods used to infect them with HIV-1. The chapter also includes protocols for monitoring the progression of infection, analyzing the immune response, and testing potential therapeutic interventions.

The fourth chapter explores human immune cells, which play a critical role in the control and eradication of HIV-1 infection. It discusses the different types of immune cells involved in the immune response to HIV-1, such as CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells. The chapter also includes protocols for isolating and culturing these cells, as well as methods for assessing their function and activation.

The fifth chapter focuses on methods of detection and analysis of the HIV-1 viral reservoir. It discusses the use of various techniques, such as viral sequencing, PCR, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry, to measure the levels of HIV-1 RNA and protein in different tissues and cell types. The chapter also includes protocols for analyzing these data and interpreting their significance.

The final chapter discusses current approaches to achieving either a functional cure or cART-free long-term remission of HIV-1 infection. It discusses the use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and other therapeutic interventions, as well as the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as gene editing and stem cell transplantation. The chapter also includes protocols for implementing these interventions and monitoring their effectiveness.

Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter in HIV Reservoirs: Methods and Protocols includes an introduction to the topic, a list of necessary materials and reagents, tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. The book is authored by a team of internationally renowned experts in the field of HIV-1 research, ensuring that the content is authoritative and up-to-date.

Authoritative and cutting-edge, HIV Reservoirs: Methods and Protocols provides a comprehensive, updated collection of state-of-art methodologies and models to tackle the HIV-1 viral reservoir. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students interested in understanding the biology of HIV-1 infection and developing innovative strategies for achieving a functional cure or long-term remission.

Weight: 883g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781071618738
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022