Mini Review - Epigenetics: Quest for no-escape to HIV, a persistent pathogen

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a severe condition resulting from a deficient immune system, primarily caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
• Since its clinical discovery in 1981, HIV/AIDS has caused millions of deaths globally, making its treatment a critical global health challenge.
• HIV is believed to be a mutated form of the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), highlighting its zoonotic origins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore advanced treatment strategies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, moving beyond traditional therapies.
• To investigate methods for overcoming HIV's ability to establish latent reservoirs within the host genome, which are resistant to current treatments.
• To identify novel therapeutic approaches that target the epigenetic mechanisms controlling HIV latency.

Main Methods:

• Review of current treatments, including Recombinant Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTIs) and their limitations.
• Exploration of emerging treatments like transplantation of transgenic stem cells.
• Discussion of epigenetic activation strategies using methyl inhibitors and non-toxic chemical drugs to target latent HIV provirus.

Main Results:

• Recombinant Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTIs) can reduce HIV effects and prolong patient life but do not eliminate the virus.
• HIV's latency in the host genome is a primary mechanism of persistence, evading immune responses and current therapies.
• Epigenetic activation of latent provirus, combined with non-toxic drugs, shows potential for a more definitive treatment approach.

Conclusions:

• There is currently no cure for AIDS, and lifelong treatment with RTIs is common.
• Latent HIV provirus represents a significant barrier to complete viral eradication.
• Epigenetic activation of latent HIV reservoirs presents a promising therapeutic avenue to potentially achieve a functional cure for HIV/AIDS.