5 reasons to take the HIV Sciences MOOC

Since the start of the epidemic, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected more than 91 million people and caused over 40 million deaths.
Today, viral replication can be controlled thanks to antiretroviral treatment. However, HIV infection remains a major global public health challenge.
In 2024, there were still 40.8 million people living with HIV, 1.3 million new infections and about 630,000 deaths related to the disease, according to the WHO. More than 20% of infected people still do not have access to antiretroviral treatments.
To date, no curative treatment exists. Antiretroviral therapy, although effective at controlling the disease, must be continued for life.
In this online course, we will review the different aspects of HIV infection: from its biological origin and its identification as the causal agent of AIDS, to prospects for eradication. Overall, the course aims to provide a cross-cutting overview of the epidemic from the perspectives of scientists, clinicians and people living with HIV.
8 updated sessions and 2 new ones covering the latest on HIV epidemiology, care, and prevention, including innate immunity and vaccine history.

Here are five important reasons to take this course:

1 - To know the status of the HIV epidemic worldwide

In 2024, there were still 40.8 million people living with HIV, 1.3 million new infections and about 630,000 deaths related to the disease, according to the WHO. More than 20% of infected people still do not have access to antiretroviral treatments.

2 - Learn about the immune mechanisms that fight the virus

Immune mechanisms against HIV include innate immune cells (such as NK cells) and the adaptive response: cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that eliminate infected cells; CD4+ T cells that orchestrate the response; and B cells that produce neutralizing antibodies. Although these mechanisms can limit viral entry, the latent reservoir prevents eradication of HIV.

3 - Be aware of the existence of rare individuals who succeed in controlling the infection

A small number of people called "elite controllers", less than 1% of people living with HIV, spontaneously control viral replication. Despite this viral suppression, they may experience inflammation and other comorbidities.

4 - Learn more about the clinical management of HIV infection

The "test-and-treat" strategy: start effective antiretroviral triple therapy quickly, aim for an undetectable viral load (undetectable = untransmissible), and monitor treatment adherence, comorbidities and drug interactions.

5 - Discover the latest innovations and treatment and prevention prospects

New treatments involve long-acting options, such as injectable PrEP with cabotegravir every two months and lenacapavir every six months, as well as broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs).

This MOOC is bilingual English-French.
It is part of the Institut Pasteur Online Diploma of Infectious Diseases (DNM2IP).

To learn more, click here
Institut Pasteur
Course: From November 4, 2025 to November 3, 2026
Enrollment: From September 4, 2025 to November 3, 2026