VIENNA, AUSTRIA--At the XVIII International AIDS Conference, researchers discussed the need to create safer and more effective treatments for the virus than have existed before. The conference offered insight into the areas which offer some for the best promise for future prevention, treatment and cure efforts. Here are some examples of what experts were talking about.
FUNCTIONAL OR STERILIZING CURES
What are they?
When developed functional cures will offer HIV-positive people long-term health without taking antiretroviral (ARV) treatment by OKAY, SO HOW DOES IT WORK?
Promising research
In WHEN a German leukemia specialist Gero Huetter, M.D., replaced the bone-marrow cells of an HIV-positive cancer patient now known in scientific circles as the Berlin Patient, with stem cells, cells without a specific identity that can potentially turn into any type of cell. The stem cells in question came from a donor patient who has a genetic mutation that prevents them catching HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The stem-cell transplant was carried out to treat the leukemia, but a side-effect of the treatment was the destruction of HIV cells, making the Berlin Patient essentially immune to HIV and allowing him or her to stop taking HIV/AIDS medication. The stem cell recipient hasn’t taken drugs for over two years since receiving the transplant. This groundbreaking result opened the doors to treatments that could possibly make prevent infection and eliminate the need for medication among those who are already infected.
How they work
This breakthrough is very new and so monumental that scientists are still exploring the many possibilities and therapies that might be employed.
What’s next
Bone marrow transplants are very dangerous so the therapy the Berlin Patient received is unethical unless the patient requires an organ transplant because of another illness. However, the concept behind this discovery could open up new avenues of research, as scientists work towards finding a way to cure HIV.
ELITE CONTROLLERS
What are they?
Rare sets of genes allow the immune systems of a small percentarge of people to unleash killer T cells—parts of the immune system that attack invading TKTK—with unusual powers that allow them to attack and destroy HIV cells. These people who have these genes are HIV positive, yet the virus does not progress to AIDS and their symptoms do not worsen.
Promising research
A study from the University of Southern California found that mice with a mutation in a specific gene have immunity to HIV. Since then researchers have identified similar gene mutations in humans.
How it works
Because stem cells reproduce indefinitely, these mutant stem cells could provide a permanent supply of HIV-resistant immune cells. Certain people whose cells are able to effectively attack and destroy HIV may never experience symptoms even though they are infected with the virus.
What’s next
Because the gene mutation does not provide HIV immunity in all populations, researchers are looking at other more common proteins, found in everyone, that may bestow a natural advantage in fighting off the virus.
Further understanding of these mechanisms could assist in the development of vaccines that augment control of infection, and may also serve to identify new targets for pharmacologic intervention.
CLINICAL TRIALS
What are they?
Medical studies are being performed to ensure that possible treatments for HIV/AIDS will work. Some existing prescription drugs currently used for other treatments are being tested as possible HIV/AIDS therapies and treatments.
Promising research
A drug approved to treat lymphoma, Zolinza, targets specific proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat certain cancers including T-cell lymphoma. Researchers believe that this same action can destroy the HIV virus.
How it works
Awakens dormant T-cells in HIV-positive people to potentially make those cells vulnerable to antiretroviral (ARV) medication.