Host-control of HIV Balance between immunity and immunopathology

Infection with HIV-1 is characterized by a gradual decline in CD4 T cells as well as chronic activation of the immune system. The balance between an adequate immune response on one side and overstimulation and immune dysfunction on the other, influences the highly variable disease course of untreated HIV-1 infection. Current antiretroviral therapy suppresses viral replication efficiently however, it does not completely restore the immune system and some level of immune activation and inflammation persists. Understanding the mechanisms of HIV-1 pathogenesis could provide novel avenues for treatment of HIV-1 infection and restoration of the observed immune imbalance. In this thesis, the immune response to HIV-1 infection in relation to disease progression and disease control is explored at the level of both the innate and the adaptive immune response. The findings of this thesis contribute to expanding our knowledge on the immune response to HIV-1 infection.