Modern and easy-to-administer anti-HIV treatments have now enabled optimal virological and immunological control of the infection. In this scenario, HIV eradication and enhancement of the host immune control are the main focus of HIV treatment research, with the brain playing a relevant role as potential HIV reservoir. A better understanding of the mechanisms of HIV persistence in the brain and of the host local immune control will be essential towards fully achievement of longterm control of HIV infection

Along with HIV infection, other viral infections affecting the brain are currently disclosing unmet urgent clinical needs. These include the Long-Covid with its chronic and progressive neurological complications and the Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rapidly progressive disease that is increasingly recognised in immuno compromised patients, but for which no treatment is as yet available.

The goal of this meeting is to update and discuss the clinical impact, the mechanisms and the treatment perspectives of HIV infection and of other viral infections heavily affecting brain structure and function, including Covid-19 and PML.