Dispelling myths and focusing on notable concepts in HIV pathogenesis

•Concepts in HIV infection that merit attention.•Considering virologic, immunologic, and clinical aspects of HIV pathogenesis.•What have we learned and what directions should be addressed in HIV infection.

Since the discovery of HIV over three decades ago, major efforts have been made to control and perhaps eliminate HIV infection worldwide. During these studies, certain myths or misconceptions about this infectious disease have been emphasized and other potentially beneficial concepts have received less attention. A true long-term solution to HIV infection merits an appreciation of alternative ideas and findings that could be beneficial in the ultimate control of HIV/AIDS. Here, I discuss six issues and call for more attention to the science of HIV and well-designed clinical trials.