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New Delhi, June 26:
In a landmark development in the fight against HIV/AIDS, scientists at Johns Hopkins University have unveiled a gene therapy approach that could force the virus into a permanent dormant state, potentially paving the way for a one-time, long-term treatment for millions living with HIV.
The research, published in Science Advances, centers on a naturally occurring molecule within HIV’s own genetic material known as an “antisense transcript” (AST). By amplifying and manipulating AST, researchers successfully induced viral latency—a state in which HIV remains present in the body but stops replicating.
“This molecule essentially helps put HIV to sleep,” explained Dr. Fabio Romerio, Associate Professor of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. “Our goal is to enhance this natural mechanism through gene therapy, possibly enabling long-term viral suppression with just a single treatment”.
How the Therapy Works
The team genetically engineered immune cells (CD4+ T cells), which are the primary targets of HIV, to overproduce AST. As AST levels increased, the virus’s activity dropped to undetectable levels, indicating that HIV had entered a deep dormant state. This process was observed both in laboratory-grown cells and in cells taken from people living with HIV, demonstrating consistent results in maintaining short-term viral dormancy.
A Shift from Lifelong Medication
Currently, people living with HIV must take daily antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus. While effective, ART does not eliminate HIV and requires lifelong adherence, with associated risks of side effects and viral rebound if treatment is interrupted.
The new gene therapy approach aims to replace daily medication with a single treatment that could keep the virus suppressed indefinitely by locking it in a dormant state.
Next Steps and Global Impact
The World Health Organization estimates that 39.9 million people are living with HIV worldwide, with over 630,000 deaths annually from HIV-related illnesses. The researchers are now focused on developing safe and effective delivery systems for the therapy in humans, with the ultimate goal of achieving stable, long-term suppression of HIV.
If successful, this strategy could revolutionize HIV treatment, reduce the burden of daily medication, and bring the world closer to a functional cure.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on early-stage research findings. The gene therapy approach described is still in preclinical development and has not yet been tested in human clinical trials. Further studies are required to confirm its safety and effectiveness before it can be considered for widespread use. Readers are advised to consult healthcare professionals for current HIV treatment guidelines and not to make changes to prescribed therapy based on this news.
