Highlights in virology and immunology , from HIV variation and endogenous retroviruses to T - cell memory and exhaustion

has concentrated heavily on virology, while immunology and vaccines commanded the attention that you might expect for, say, the Oscar for best animated short film. But the first day of this year’s CROI offered two parallel morning sessions on virology and immunology and, surprisingly, it was the latter session that was standing room only. In a similar shift, vaccines commanded a special symposium that lasted the entirety of Tuesday afternoon. The increased balance of the program is perhaps a welcome sign that the relative success of antiretroviral therapies has sharpened the focus on the complex immunological questions that confront researchers in the disparate fields of AIDS pathogenesis, preventive vaccine research, and immune-based therapy development. Molecular snapshots from CROI 2007 Highlights in virology and immunology, from HIV variation and endogenous retroviruses to T-cell memory and exhaustion By Richard Jefferys THE PUBLICATION ON INTERNATIONAL AIDS VACCINE RESEARCH VOLUME 11/NUMBER 1 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007