Navigating the Roadblocks: Progress and Challenges in Cell-Based Therapies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has limitations in fully eradicating HIV.
• Persistent viral reservoirs remain a challenge in HIV/AIDS management.
• Cell-based therapies are emerging as a novel strategy to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of cell-based therapies for HIV eradication.
• To summarize modification strategies for engineered cells.
• To discuss challenges and recent advancements in cell-based HIV treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of stem cell therapies (e.g., hematopoietic stem cell transplantation).
• Analysis of B cell therapies utilizing broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs).
• Examination of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) approaches like TCR-T, CAR-T, NK-CAR, and DC-based therapy.

Main Results:

• Engineered cells demonstrate mechanisms to recognize and eliminate HIV-infected cells.
• Various cell modification strategies are employed to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
• These therapies show potential in sustaining remission without ART.

Conclusions:

• Cell-based therapies represent a significant advancement in HIV/AIDS treatment, aiming for a functional cure.
• Overcoming challenges in cell therapy development is crucial for widespread application.
• Recent progress indicates a promising future for these innovative treatments against HIV.