Could gene therapy cure HIV?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain significant global health concerns, with millions affected worldwide.
• Current treatments like antiretroviral therapy (ART) and latency-reversing agents (LRAs) have limitations and side effects, necessitating alternative strategies.
• Gene therapy presents a novel therapeutic avenue for managing HIV infection by targeting viral genetic material within patient cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize recent progress in the application of gene therapy for the control of HIV infection.
• To highlight the potential of gene therapy as an alternative or complementary treatment to existing HIV/AIDS therapies.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes findings from recent scientific literature on gene therapy approaches for HIV.
• Focuses on studies investigating the delivery of nucleic acids for therapeutic purposes in HIV-infected cells.
• Examines various gene therapy strategies aimed at inhibiting HIV replication or eradicating the virus.

Main Results:

• Gene therapy has demonstrated promising results in controlling HIV infection in preclinical and clinical studies.
• Specific gene therapy techniques show potential for long-term viral suppression and may offer a functional cure.
• Advances in gene delivery systems enhance the efficacy and safety of gene therapy for HIV.

Conclusions:

• Gene therapy represents a rapidly advancing and potentially transformative approach to managing HIV/AIDS.
• Further research and clinical trials are crucial to optimize gene therapy protocols and establish their long-term effectiveness and safety.
• Gene therapy holds significant promise for improving the lives of individuals living with HIV.