Researchers from George Mason University’s Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) and Tulane National Primate Research Center have unveiled a promising HIV treatment approach in the journal Gene Therapy. Led by Yuntao Wu, CIDR’s study developed an innovative HIV-like virus particle called the ‘HIV Rev-dependent lentiviral vector,’ which could potentially eliminate the need for lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART). Currently, ART effectively blocks HIV but cannot eradicate the virus’s reservoirs in immune cells. Wu’s team has created a vector that uses an HIV protein, Rev, to selectively target and activate therapeutic genes in these reservoirs. This technology, under development since 2002, shows potential in both reducing viral reservoirs and boosting the immune system to produce antiviral neutralizing antibodies. Collaborating scientists at Tulane tested the approach on monkeys with SIVmac239, a virus similar to HIV. Results showed a significant reduction in virus levels, with some cases remaining undetectable for over two years after stopping ART. This breakthrough offers new hope for the 1.2 million Americans and 39 million people worldwide living with HIV. The next steps include expanded animal studies and eventual human clinical trials to confirm these promising results.
