Melbourne Researchers Make Breakthrough in HIV Cure Efforts

Melbourne Researchers Make Breakthrough in HIV Cure Efforts
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Scientists at the Peter Doherty Institute in Melbourne have developed a novel method to expose hidden HIV within white blood cells, a major obstacle in curing the virus, The Guardian reported. Using mRNA technology, similar to that employed in Covid-19 vaccines, the team created a new lipid nanoparticle (LNP X) that delivers mRNA into cells harboring latent HIV, instructing them to reveal the virus.

This breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, could pave the way for fully clearing HIV from the body. Currently, nearly 40 million people worldwide live with HIV, requiring lifelong medication to suppress the virus.

Dr. Paula Cevaal, co-first author, described the results as “night and day” compared to previous attempts. While promising, further research is needed to determine if revealing the virus alone enables the immune system to eliminate it or if additional therapies are necessary.

The study, conducted in donated patient cells, requires animal testing and human trials before clinical use. Experts acknowledge the advance but caution that complete eradication of the virus reservoir remains uncertain.