A subset of quiescent memory CD4 T cells harboring integrated but transcriptionally silent
proviruses poses a currently insurmountable barrier to the eradication of the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in infected patients. Induction of HIV gene expression in these
latently infected cells by immune activating agents has been proposed as one approach to
confer sensitivity to antiretroviral therapy. Interest has recently focused on the non-tumor-
promoting phorbol ester, prostratin, as a potential agent to activate latent HIV proviruses …