The Future of Gene Expression Studies in HIV Research

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) damages or interferes with immune cell function and remains a serious worldwide public health concern. Many researchers have studied the virus since its discovery in an effort to better understand its immunopathogenesis and neuropathogenesis. For those who have access to efficient HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care, HIV infection has now evolved into a chronic illness that can be controlled. Despite a decrease in HIV prevalence in the general population, certain subpopulations continue to exhibit higher-risk behaviors. This work aims to uncover research gaps in HIV gene expression studies, which is crucial in finding a cure. For instance, blood samples are used for most of the gene expression experiments for HIV. However, since there are very few HIV latent reservoir cells in the blood, it can be difficult to identify and quantify them. Furthermore, blood cell populations might not accurately represent the features of reservoir cells found throughout the body. Using HIV reservoir cells from distinct tissue types in gene expression research projects could help us pinpoint the main cause of the latent HIV resilience. Gene expression studies using potential repurposed drug candidates, as well as alternative experimental setups with combinations of antiretroviral therapies, can be utilized in future studies as well. Additionally, large-sample research designs that specifically investigate intestinal disruption in individuals with HIV and associated comorbidities may help us better understand the processes behind HIV.