Abstract

The hematopoietic system generally has reserve sufficient to tolerate significant insult and regenerative capacity to overcome most damage due to infectious agents. However, HIV infection results in a progressive decline in hematopoietic function and even in the context of potent, anti-retroviral therapy is able to only incompletely reconstitute immune function. The ability of the immune system to respond to HIV itself remains compromised, a defect that leaves infected individuals with a lifelong dependence on medications. The capability of stem cells and the thymus to restore function and their limitations in the context of HIV infection are discussed in this review.