A new 'key' to 'lulling' the HIV virus into a false sense of security.

Japanese scientists have just discovered a specific gene segment in the HTLV-1 leukemia virus that has the ability to make the virus "invisible" to the immune system for decades – and this mechanism may also apply to the HIV virus.

Scientists have discovered a virus-repressive region within the genome of the HTLV-1 virus, and this mechanism may also apply to the HIV virus. (Source: Science Daily)

A research team from Kumamoto University, led by Professor Yorifumi Satou, has discovered a "viral repressive region" within the genome of the HTLV-1 virus.

This gene segment "recruits" transcription factors from human cells, particularly the RUNX1 complex, which helps suppress viral activity, putting it into a dormant state. As a result, the virus can evade detection by the immune system for extended periods.

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HTLV-1 is a rare but dangerous oncogenic retrovirus that can lead to adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) – a malignant and difficult-to-treat form of cancer. While most carriers of the virus are asymptomatic, a small percentage may develop cancer or serious immune disorders years later.

In experiments, when the "inhibitory" segment of HTLV-1 was removed or mutated, the virus became more active and easier for the immune system to eliminate. Notably, when scientists introduced this "inhibitory" segment into the HIV virus, they observed that HIV also significantly "calmed down"—replicating less, destroying fewer cells, and seemingly entering a dormant state.

Professor Satou stated, "For the first time, we have discovered an intrinsic mechanism that allows the human leukemia virus to control its own ability to 'become invisible.' This is a sophisticated evolutionary strategy, and now that we understand it, we can leverage it to develop treatments."

This discovery opens up new prospects not only in the treatment of HTLV-1 – which is circulating in areas such as southwestern Japan – but could also become the foundation for developing strategies to control other dangerous retroviruses such as HIV.

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Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chia-khoa-moi-giup-ru-ngu-virus-hiv-323183.html