At the time of initial HIV infection, CD4 cells are susceptible to infection, and the virus infects many T cells during the first 4 to 6 weeks. Many of these infected cells subsequently maintain the virus in a latent state. Immune reconstitution with daily low-dose IL-2 therapy is intended to correct or improve the deficiency in CD4 cells, while maintaining a high frequency of CD8+ HIV-specific CTL and increasing natural killer (NK) cells. After a year of HAART plus IL-2, it may be possible to discontinue HAART while maintaining IL-2 stimulatory therapy, and the immune reactivity repaired and stimulated by IL-2 should be able to contain the virus and maintain latency.