**Angiogenesis, Lymphangiogenesis, and the Immune Response in South African Preeclamptic Women Receiving HAART**

**Thajasvarie Naicker 1,\*,**†**, Wendy N. Phoswa 2,\*,**†**, Onankoy A. Onyangunga 1, Premjith Gathiram 3 and Jagidesa Moodley 3**


Received: 17 April 2019; Accepted: 22 May 2019; Published: 30 July 2019

**Abstract: Purpose of the review:** This review highlights the role of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune markers in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated preeclamptic (PE) pregnancies in an attempt to unravel the mysteries underlying the duality of both conditions in South Africa. **Recent findings:** Studies demonstrate that HIV-infected pregnan<sup>t</sup> women develop PE at a lower frequency than uninfected women. In contrast, women receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) are more inclined to develop PE, stemming from an imbalance of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune response. **Summary:** In view of the paradoxical effect of HIV infection on PE development, this study examines angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune markers in the highly HIV endemic area of KwaZulu-Natal. We believe that HAART re-constitutes the immune response in PE, thereby predisposing women to PE development. This susceptibility is due to an imbalance in the angiogenic/lymphangiogenic/immune response as compared to normotensive pregnan<sup>t</sup> women. Further large-scale studies are urgently required to investigate the e ffect of the duration of HAART on PE development.

**Keywords:** angiogenesis; highly active anti-retroviral therapy; human immunodeficiency virus; lymphangiogenesis; immune response; preeclampsia
