HIV-1 Latency and Eradication: Past, Present and Future.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively controls HIV-1 replication but cannot eliminate the virus.
• Persistent HIV-1 reservoirs, particularly in CD4+ T cells and myeloid cells, allow for viral re-emergence and progression to AIDS.
• Epigenetic modifications, including chromatin structure, are implicated in establishing and maintaining HIV-1 latency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore novel strategies for eradicating persistent HIV-1 reservoirs.
• To investigate the potential of gene editing technology for eliminating latent proviral DNA.

Main Methods:

• Review of current HIV-1 eradication approaches, including 'shock and kill' strategies.
• Examination of recent advances in gene editing technologies for targeting integrated proviral DNA.

Main Results:

• The 'shock and kill' approach faces limitations requiring further investigation for clinical application.
• Gene editing presents a powerful potential strategy for inactivating latent HIV-1 proviral DNA.

Conclusions:

• Eliminating the latent HIV-1 reservoir is crucial for achieving a functional cure.
• Gene editing technology, with further development in understanding viral genetics and delivery, holds promise for eradicating latent HIV-1 and achieving a sterile cure for AIDS.