Background: Although promising, current AIDS therapies are limited by their toxicity, their cost, and by the emergence of drug-resistant variants.
Argument: The molecular study of HIV replication can lean to the discovery of better treatments, by identifying unexplored targets and facilitating the development of novel classes of antivirals.
Demonstration: Major insights were recently gained in the areas of HIV entry and nuclear transport, suggesting new approaches for the control of viral replication.
Agenda for the future: Intensifying the support to basic HIV research, and promoting interactions between academic scientists and the pharmaceutical industry.