Importantly, recent data suggest that MS is influenced by highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) [
42,
43].
MS is uncommon among HIV-positive HAART-treated persons (incidence rate ratio
=
0.3: 95% confidence interval
=
0.04-2.2). Although the group-size is small, and the results are not statistically significant, the effect is fairly strong and in accordance with the expected trend suggesting that antiretroviral medicines can curb MS. If these findings are substantiated, it becomes imperative to investigate in a clinical trial, if HAART can be effective against MS and possibly other autoimmune diseases. At the moment, a clinical trial for the antiviral drug Raltegravir is in its initial phase, to test if this integrase inhibitor can suppress HERV activity and ameliorate MS progression [
44]. A more targeted approach is also on trial, as a monoclonal antibody towards MSRV Env (GNbAC1) is being tested as a remedy for MS [
45]. It will be most interesting to follow these innovative treatment strategies.