Code remission, HIV and the early treatment strategy

Greetings, curious readers of the scientific cosmos! Today we are going to dive into the intriguing world of the fight against HIV. Hey! We know that antiretroviral treatment is the bread and butter of those fighting HIV, but, wait, did you know that there are heroes, the so-called “post-treatment controllers,” who have managed to keep the virus at bay without medication for years? Let’s delve into this scientific mystery! Imagine this: the Pasteur Institute, CEA, Inserm and other scientific superheroes teamed up to discover the Holy Grail of HIV treatment! In their search, they found a magical window of opportunity: starting treatment only four weeks after infection. Result: Long-term virus control after stopping pills!

Explosive Discovery: The VISCONTI cohort of 30 post-treatment warriors was key. They treated early, held the line for years and, when they let go of the antiretroviral reins, controlled viremia like bosses for more than 20 years! Now, in 2013, it was already rumored that starting treatment early might be the key, but, like any good movie, we had to check it out! Scientists used a primate model of infection (SIV2) to control for all possible variables and the result: starting treatment in the first four weeks is like casting a spell of protection against HIV, but, beware! After five months, the magic wears off.

Not only does it control the virus, but it also boosts the immune system, treating early is like training your own cellular Avengers. They develop an effective memory against the virus and eliminate it naturally when it tries to return! For people with HIV, the message is clear: early diagnosis and early treatment are your best allies. Don’t delay like the premiere of that movie everyone ignores! Roger Le Grand, the director of IDMIT (sounds great, doesn’t it?), sums it up: “Treat early, protect individually and save the world collectively”. Incredible, isn’t it? And that’s not all, these results will guide heroic new therapies to kick HIV where it hurts!

Until next time, intrepid explorers of knowledge!