The HIV reservoir landscape in elite controllers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we intend to define the main characteristics of the elite controller reservoir, exploring into its heterogeneity, which goes hand in hand with the different progression phenotypes within elite controllers.

RECENT FINDINGS: Show that the viral reservoir measured by high-resolution techniques in elite controllers is heterogeneous, exhibiting distinct characteristics in elite controllers who ultimately lose control compared to those with persistent viral remission. Among the latter, we find exceptional individuals with a reservoir consistent with a phenomenon of "block and lock," and even with a potential sterilizing cure.

SUMMARY: The HIV-1 reservoir in elite controllers is heterogeneous; discriminating the distinct characteristics of reservoir profiles in elite controllers can provide important clues about how to achieve an HIV cure.