Different expression of Blimp-1 in HIV infection may be used to monitor disease progression and provide a clue to reduce immune activation and viral reservoirs

Blimp-1 expression may be a marker to monitor the course of HIV infection as well as response to therapy. It is tempting to speculate that Blimp-1 expression may be modulated by immunotherapeutic strategies, although this approach needs strong caution due to its dual effect according to the disease phase. Indeed, as already proposed, Blimp-1 expression may be reduced during active progression to decrease immune activation, viral spread and reservoir establishment. On the contrary, Blimp-1 induction in chronically HIV-infected HAART- treated individuals may favor reservoir purging.