Bystanders or real players:virtual memory T cells keep chronic infections in check

Jin et al.demonstrate that a recently defined T-cell population,known as virtual memory T cells,accumulate with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),are inversely correlated with latent viral load and may be uniquely well suited to eliminate latently infected cells during chronic infections.Infection with HIV presents many challenges to the immune system,but viral reservoirs are one of the most intractable.Treatment of HIV has been revolutionized by antiretroviral therapy(ART),which effectively ablates viral replication in patients.Unfortunately,a real cure remains elusive,as HIV will persist in latently infected cells.The identification of immune mechanisms that can reduce this latent reservoir may improve treatment and progress cure strategies for HIV.In this issue,Jin et al.demonstrate that the activity of an unconventional immune cell,the virtual memory T(TVM)cell,may play a role.