A potential breakthrough in the search for an HIV cure has emerged, as researchers in Australia have found a novel way to expose the virus hiding deep within human immune cells.
Scientists at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne have developed a new form of mRNA delivery system capable of reaching the white blood cells where HIV lies dormant. This hidden viral reservoir has long been one of the biggest challenges in eliminating the virus, as standard treatments and the body’s immune defenses are unable to detect it.
Using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)—tiny, fat-based carriers that gained prominence during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout—the team created a new version, known as LNP X, specifically designed to enter the elusive white blood cells. Once inside, the mRNA signals the cells to reveal the virus, making it visible for the first time.
This lab-based study used cells donated by people living with HIV and demonstrated consistent, promising results. While it marks a significant advance, the research is still in early stages. Further testing in animals and extensive human trials will be needed before it can become part of a viable treatment.
Globally, around 40 million people live with HIV. Most require lifelong antiretroviral therapy to suppress the virus and prevent transmission. A cure would remove that burden and potentially eliminate the disease altogether.
Experts caution that revealing the virus is only part of the challenge. Future work must determine whether the body or additional therapies can eliminate the virus entirely. Nonetheless, this development represents one of the most promising steps forward in HIV cure research in years.
The researchers believe the technology may also have applications beyond HIV, possibly aiding treatment of other conditions involving similar immune cells, including cancers.
Source: The Guardian