Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) inserts a copy of DNA into human immune cells during its life cycle. Some newly infected immune cells can change into dormancy and latent state for a long time, which is called HIV incubation period. A new study published by American scientists in the Journal of Clinical Research confirms that microglia, a special immune cell in the brain that has a lifespan of up to 10 years, can serve as a stable viral pool for latent HIV. This study provides a new framework for efforts to eradicate HIV.