Canberra: A groundbreaking HIV study by Melbourne scientists could mark a significant step toward a cure. Researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity have discovered a way to make HIV visible inside white blood cells, which may help eliminate the virus from the body.
The study, published in Nature Communications, used advanced mRNA technology, similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines, to expose hidden HIV.
This success came after the team developed a new type of lipid nanoparticle, called LNP X, capable of delivering mRNA into the white blood cells that harbor HIV. Once inside, the mRNA instructs the cell to reveal the virus, making it a possible target for future therapies.
HIV has long evaded cures due to its ability to lie dormant in these cells. Almost 40 million people worldwide live with HIV and must take lifelong medication to suppress it. According to UNAIDS, one person died of HIV every minute in 2023.
Lead researcher Dr Paula Cevaal described the results as “overwhelming,” noting the method had never worked before. While this study used patient-donated cells in a lab, further trials in animals and humans are needed.
Experts have cautioned that complete eradication may still depend on combining this technology with other treatments. Yet the breakthrough may also benefit therapies for cancer and other diseases involving similar immune cells.
Despite scientific caution, researchers are optimistic. They have never seen HIV this exposed before.
