The theme of this session was the discussion of mechanisms underlying HIV persistence and novel therapeutic interventions. Dr. Vincent Planelles (University of Utah) discussed memory CD4 T cells as a main source of latent HIV. He presented a model of in vitro differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells into different subsets of memory CD4 T cells with concomitant HIV infection with single cycle virus. Using this model he showed that limiting amounts of cyclin T and phosphorylation of CDK9 decreases HIV transcription in unstimulated memory and naïve CD4 T cells. He was able to use this model to screen putative therapeutics to drive HIV from latent pools. Dr. Benjamin Berkout (University of Amsterdam) used a cell line model of latency to sequence small RNAs  and unexpectedly found antisense strand HIV sequences which could result in double stranded RNA species which decrease HIV transcription. He then discussed in vitro activation of CD4 T cells with immature dendtric cells as a method to drive HIV from latency. This induction of HIV replication from latency involved both cell to cell interactions and soluble factors produced by the dendritic cells. Dr. Jerome Zack (UCLA) discussed methods to activate and eliminate latent HIV reservoirs. He used prostratin or byrostatin as therapies to purge HIV from latency. Using an innovative approach of nanoparticle delivery of these compounds to CD4 T cells, he was able to selectively activate CD4 T cells to increase HIV transcription in vitro. He was able to synthesize cost effective analogs of prostratin and byrostatin which more efficiently increased HIV transcription. Dr. Monsef Benkirane (CNRS) discussed a role for SAMHD1 in the immunopathogenesis and replication of HIV. Even though it is believed that SAMHD1 is thought to restrict HIV predominantly in myeloid cells, he presented data suggesting that SAMHD1 function is also present in resting CD4 T cells and can reduce HIV infection. Introduction of the accessory protein Vpx in trans led to enhanced HIV infection of quiescent CD4 T cells. The French minister of higher education and research closed the session. Geneviève Fioraso discussed the French commitment to HIV research and announced a signed agreement between ANRS and the NIH to increase collaborative research effort.