Post-Treatment Controllers: Role in HIV “Cure” Research

Descriptions of individuals who are able to control viral replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy after receiving short-term therapy early in infection (“post-treatment controllers”) has generated excitement and controversy within the field. As with natural or “elite” controllers, these cases provide hope that a long-term remission or “functional cure” might one day be possible. Here, we review what is known and not known about these cases and discuss the immunologic factors that may allow these unique individuals to be maintain viral control and may be important for future curative strategies.