Fig. 4 HIV-1 infection induces several impairments on classical and alternative MDMs that were not fully restored even under regular HAART. After infection by HIV-1, MDMs activation is influenced by interaction with viral proteins and responsible for sustaining viral replication over different stages of infection. Classical and alternatively activated MDMs present functional impairments – as reduction in phagocytic and intracellular killing activity and the general profile of cytokines/chemokine released after recognition of antigenic stimuli. Even under regular HAART, MDMs obtained from HIV-1+ patients are chronically infected and represent an important viral reservoir. The functional changes found in these cells are only partially restored, impairing the development of appropriate immune responses against pathogens, allowing the occurrence of opportunistic infections.