Researchers also note a regeneration of naive T-cells after about six months on aggressive antiviral therapy. This suggests that some immune system reconstitution is taking place. The immune system is by no means back to normal, but has improved. Conference reports looked at the place of chemokines in HIV disease. Chemokines are small chemicals that have recently been shown to be a second receptor for HIV on the cell.
Cytokines are another promising area of research into immune restoration.
You probably have seen reports about the testing of IL-2 which has been successful in inducing an increase in CD4 count in many test participants. These chemicals may be useful in facilitating immune restoration, as well as in inhibiting HIV replication. At last summer's international conference in Vancouver, Dr. Anthony Fauci reported that IL-10 appeared to prevent infection in uninfected cells. The caution here is that IL-10 is also an immune suppressive drug and thus must be used with great care. Finally, we have the vaccines which are preventative for the uninfected and may also have therapeutic effects for those already infected.