HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that targets the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, which are essential white blood cells responsible for fighting infections. Over time, HIV can diminish the number of these cells, impairing the body’s ability to combat infections and diseases.
Being “cured” of HIV indicates that the virus is no longer detectable in the body, and the individual does not need antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage the virus. Although the virus is not replicating or causing harm, ongoing monitoring remains crucial.
A stem cell transplant involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These stem cells can evolve into various types of blood cells and are employed to treat certain diseases, including some cancers and, in rare cases, HIV.
HIV typically infiltrates immune cells via receptors on the cell surface, mainly utilizing a receptor known as CCR5. Once the virus enters, it integrates itself into the cell’s DNA and begins to reproduce.
The CCR5 gene encodes a protein acting as a gateway for HIV to access CD4 cells. Mutations within this gene can hinder the virus from penetrating these cells, effectively blocking infection.
In unique instances, a stem cell transplant can substitute the patient's immune cells with donor cells that lack the functional CCR5 receptor or exhibit diminished expression. This process can prevent the virus from infecting new cells, potentially leading to a complete remission of HIV.
The most recent patient was cured of HIV after receiving stem cells from a donor with only one mutated copy of the CCR5 gene. This finding indicates that even partial disruption of CCR5 can suffice to prevent the virus from re-emerging.
Stem cell transplants are intricate, risky, and costly procedures. They are primarily reserved for treating life-threatening conditions such as specific cancers. The procedure carries substantial risks, including the likelihood of graft-versus-host disease and various infections.
Antiretroviral drugs are essential medications used to treat HIV. They function by inhibiting the virus's replication, thereby lowering the viral load in the body and supporting the maintenance of a healthy immune system.
Ongoing research investigates several avenues, including gene editing techniques (like CRISPR-Cas9), immune modulation, and methods to “wake up” latent viruses hidden within the body to eliminate them. These strategies aim to discover a safe and effective cure for all individuals living with HIV.
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