Advanced Animal Models in HIV Research: Bridging Preclinical and Clinical Gaps

The field of HIV research has made significant strides over the past few decades, yet a definitive cure for HIV-1 infection remains elusive. Current therapies are predominantly limited to antiretroviral therapy (ART), which, while effective in suppressing viral replication, does not eradicate the virus. Consequently, viral rebound is a common occurrence if ART is interrupted, posing a significant challenge for people living with HIV (PLWH). Recent studies have focused on the development of novel immunotherapies and vaccines, necessitating the use of advanced animal models to evaluate their efficacy and safety. These models are crucial for understanding the establishment, analysis, and reduction of viral reservoirs, as well as the role of immune cells in viral control and elimination. Despite promising preclinical results, many of these therapies have failed to translate successfully into clinical trials, highlighting the need for optimized and more predictive animal models. The limitations of current models, including fundamental differences between animal and human immune responses, underscore the necessity for continued research in this area.

This research topic aims to explore the development and optimization of advanced animal models for assessing novel vaccine and therapeutic approaches for HIV infection. The primary objectives include evaluating the efficacy of these models in mimicking human HIV infection, understanding the immune responses elicited by various interventions, and identifying the limitations that hinder the translation of preclinical findings to clinical success. Specific questions to be addressed include: How can current animal models be improved to better reflect human HIV infection? What are the most promising immunotherapies and vaccines currently under investigation? How do different animal models compare in terms of their predictive value for human clinical outcomes?

To gather further insights into the boundaries and limitations of this research topic, we welcome Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Methods addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Adaptive immune responses elicited by infection and vaccination
- Viral evaluation post-latency disruption
- Adaptability and optimization of animal models for HIV research and cure strategies
- Immune-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of HIV
- Perinatal HIV research and vertical transmission
- Bioinformatic approaches to identify optimal antibody combinations with or without latency-reversing agents (LRA) treatment
- Mechanistic studies of viral interaction with human cells

By addressing these themes, we aim to compile a comprehensive collection of research that advances our understanding of HIV immunotherapies and contributes to the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Keywords: HIV-1, animal models, antibodies, adaptive immunity, effector functions, pre-clinical studies, clinical trials

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.