In 2023, around 39 million people lived with HIV worldwide, according to UNAIDS. Although current treatments make it possible to control the virus, complete healing remains elusive due to persistent viral tanks.
The headache of HIV tanks: why the virus still escapes any healing
“”We have effective treatments against HIV since 1996 which control the virus at undetectable levels and allow people living with HIV to lead a long and healthy life “said Ellis. However, the virus persists in cellular reservoirs, reappearing upon stopping treatment.
The major challenge lies in the virus’s ability to hide in certain immune cells, thus escaping the immune system and treatments. To overcome this obstacle, the researchers explored methods to “wake up” the virus, making it visible and vulnerable to attacks.
“”Over the past five years, we have set up a whole new work program to use mRNA and design lipid nanoparticles in order to reach the HIV tank and eliminate the persistent virus. Our work has changed spectacularly and this study is an incredibly exciting step “said Sharon Lewin.
A technology inspired by mRNA vaccines to trap the virus
“”As researchers working on the healing of HIV, our goal was to reach the virus where it hides. We have programmed the mRNA to tell infected cells to ‘deliver’ the virus and make it visible. But bringing the mRNA into these cells was the challenge “said Dr. Cevaal. For this, researchers from the Peter Doherty Institute for infection and Immunity in Melbourne have developed an innovative lipid nanoparticle, capable of delivering mRNA in cells infected with HIV. And the result is new:
The lipid nanoparticle has managed to deliver mRNA in infected cells. The virus was forced to get out of its latency, making it detectable. This approach opens the way to a possible complete elimination of the organization’s HIV.
In summary, this technology, similar to that used in mRNA vaccines, allows you to force the virus to get out of its hiding place. “”We were delighted to see that a new lipid nanoparticle, essentially a tiny grease bubble, could transport mRNA in cells infected with HIV with success. She forced the virus to get out of her hiding place, which is exactly what we need to start eliminating it from the body “added Dr. Cevaal.
“”This is the first time that this strategy has been demonstrated with as much success in cells infected with HIV. Our hope is that this new conception of nanoparticles can open a new path to a healing of HIV “.
Towards revolutionary therapy: what future for millions of patients?
This discovery arouses great hopes for a healing of HIV, thus eliminating the need for life treatment. “”There are 40 million people living with HIV worldwide, half of whom are women, and many people living with HIV in developing countries do not have access to vital treatments to control infection “said Ms. Ellis. And the potential benefit would also affect developed countries. “”A healing of HIV would also mean that we would not have to take daily pills, which present for some side effects, and, hopefully, it would mean that we would not have to face the stigma and discrimination linked to HIV “.
However, challenges remain. The approach is still in its infancy. Therapy must still go through test phases before being considered on a larger scale. “”Going to preclinical tests is a crucial step to translate our laboratory discoveries into potential therapies “said Dr. Roche.
Very enthusiastic, the researchers judge that the benefits of such an approach could have even wider implications. “”It is important to note that this discovery could have broader implications beyond HIV. The white blood cells where HIV hides are also involved in other diseases, including certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. The capacity to deliver from the mRNA safely in these cells opens up new possibilities to treat a wide range of diseases “. Case to follow …