Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:18
High Throughput In Vitro Assessment of Latency Reversing Agents on HIV Transcription and Splicing
Published on: January 22, 2019
Protocol for HIV-1 latency reversal using engineered bacteriophage T4 particles
Himanshu Batra1, Venigalla B Rao1
1Bacteriophage Medical Research Center, Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA.
STAR Protocols
|July 18, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel CD4-DARPin-T4 nanoparticles to target and reverse latent HIV-1 infection in CD4+ T cells. This approach shows promise for reactivating the virus from its hidden reservoir.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Nanotechnology
- Immunology
Background:
- A significant obstacle to curing HIV-1 is the persistent latent viral reservoir within resting CD4+ T cells.
- Reactivating this latent reservoir is crucial for effective HIV-1 eradication strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a protocol for preparing CD4-DARPin-T4 nanoparticles.
- To demonstrate the application of these nanoparticles in reversing HIV-1 latency in a relevant model.
Main Methods:
- Production of T4 capsid nanoparticles in E. coli.
- Decoration of T4 nanoparticles with a CD4-targeting DARPin ligand fused to the T4 outer capsid protein Hoc.
- Assessment of proviral reactivation using fluorescence-based assays.
Main Results:
- Successful preparation and characterization of CD4-DARPin-T4 nanoparticles.
- Demonstration of nanoparticle-mediated targeting of CD4+ T cells.
- Evidence of proviral DNA reactivation in a model of HIV-1 latency.
Conclusions:
- CD4-DARPin-T4 nanoparticles offer a potential strategy for HIV-1 latency reversal.
- This nanotechnology-based approach may contribute to developing novel therapeutic interventions for HIV-1 cure.
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