HIV-1 infects lymphocytes and macrophages, gradually destroying the immune system. Multiple treatment combinations suppress the viral load to undetectable levels, but their long-term use leads to adverse effects. Allosteric inhibition of HIV-1 integrase has emerged as a source for new treatment strategies.
In mammals, the disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L) is the only methyltransferase that catalyzes the mono-, di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 79 (H3K79). The DOT1L/H3K79me is involved in several relevant physiological and pathological mechanisms, including several viral infections.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has discovered viral maturation inhibitors and their prodrugs reported to be useful for the treatment of HIV infection.
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) under a once-daily oral schedule are the standard-of-care treatment for HIV. Longer-acting oral and injectable formulations to facilitate adherence to treatment regimens are needed.
Many people living with HIV develop mild cognitive impairment and mood problems known as HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). The activation of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor may be a feasible strategy to treat this disorder, but associated psychoactive side effects restrict their potential.
The 2024 meeting of the International AIDS Society (IAS), which is being held in Munich this week, began with the announcement of another curative bone marrow transplant. The new case brings the total number of patients cured of HIV via a bone marrow transplant up to 7 since “Berlin patient” Timothy Ray Brown became the first such person in 2007.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute and the IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center are developing a novel experimental vaccine targeting the germline to stimulate precursor B cells and produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the gp41 protein found in the HIV-1 envelope.
Gilead Sciences Inc. tallied a “clear win,” said Barclays analyst Carter Gould, in the phase III interim analysis showing that the Foster City, Calif.-based company’s twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, yielded 100% efficacy as an HIV blocker for cisgender women.
In a paper published in the May 17, 2024, online issue of Cell, investigators from the Duke Human Vaccine Institute reported that a sequence of three immunizations in the HVTN-133 trial was sufficient for the development of heterologous or broadly neutralizing antibodies that protected against several strains of HIV.
