Roles and potential applications of lncRNAs in HIV infection

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are defined as a class of RNA molecules with a length of more than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into protein, and are known to participate in a variety of biological processes. They have recently been implicated as having roles in viral infections, and several research groups have identified that complex interactions exist between lncRNAs and the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. lncRNAs derived from both the human host and HIV itself are emerging as key regulators of various cellular functions, playing crucial roles in virus-host interactions and viral pathogenesis. This review provides a brief discussion of the roles and associated mechanisms of lncRNAs in HIV infection. Moreover, due to the continued lack of effective HIV vaccines or treatments, we provide an insight into the complex interplay between lncRNAs and HIV and suggest innovative therapeutic strategies for HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The available data on lncRNAs that have been associated with HIV infection and their potential applications for the treatment of HIV are summarized for the first time, providing a new perspective for the future development of therapeutic strategies.