Researchers identify therapeutic approach to optimise immune system ANI | Updated: Feb 13, 2021 20:36 IST Toronto [Canada], February 13 (ANI): During a recent study, a team of researchers from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) have identified a therapeutic approach to restore the effectiveness of immune cells. The team was prompted by the need to improve conventional treatments for people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). The study, led by doctoral student Hamza Loucif and Professor Julien van Grevenynghe, was published in the journal 'Autophagy'. Most people infected with HIV-1 require daily antiretroviral therapy to control the infection. These drugs cause significant side effects without fully restoring the normal functioning of the immune system. Yet, a specific group of patients, called "elite controllers", are able to live with the infection without any drug intervention.