Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have explored a novel approach using Natural Killer (NK) cells to restore immune function and control HIV infection. The study involved infusing HIV-positive individuals with healthy NK cells from close relatives, combined with the drug N-803 to enhance NK activity. This treatment resulted in a marked decrease in infection burden and was found to be safe and well-tolerated1. Additionally, Emory researchers demonstrated the potential of Jak inhibitors, specifically ruxolitinib, to significantly reduce the HIV viral reservoir. Their study showed an impressive 99.99% clearance of the peripheral HIV-1 reservoir in less than three years, offering a promising pathway toward long-term remission or a potential cure2.

Long-acting antiretroviral treatment (ART) with cabotegravir and rilpivirine has demonstrated superior efficacy in suppressing HIV replication compared to daily oral ART. The LATITUDE study found that patients on long-acting ART had only a 7% chance of experiencing unsuppressed HIV, versus 25% for those on daily oral regimens1. This approach shows promise for both adults and adolescents, with an ongoing trial reporting that all adolescent participants remained virally suppressed after six months of treatment1. Additionally, a once-daily oral combination of bictegravir plus lenacapavir has shown effectiveness in the ARTISTRY-1 trial, allowing most participants to remove boosters from their regimens and simplify their therapy2.

Researchers are making significant strides in developing preventive HIV vaccines, despite the virus's rapid mutation rate. A recent trial demonstrated a candidate vaccine's ability to stimulate elusive broadly neutralizing antibodies in a small cohort1. Additionally, a groundbreaking strategy mimicking a GPS system has emerged, guiding the immune system to produce these crucial antibodies1. These innovative approaches offer new hope for effective HIV prevention and potentially contribute to efforts towards eradication of the virus.

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has shown promising results in targeting and inactivating HIV genes within infected cells, with studies demonstrating up to 94% reduction in viral load and replication12. This approach aims to eliminate the viral reservoir, a key obstacle in achieving a cure. Researchers are exploring combination therapies, such as pairing CRISPR-Cas9 with C46, an HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, to enhance protection against diverse HIV strains3. However, challenges remain, including optimizing delivery systems, addressing potential off-target effects, and mitigating the risk of viral escape mutants14.