An HIV-infected human cell
STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
A recent breakthrough has seen a man becoming the seventh individual to be declared HIV-free following a stem cell transplant to combat blood cancer. This development is significant as he is the second person among the seven who did not receive HIV-resistant stem cells, suggesting that HIV-resistant cells may not be a prerequisite for curing HIV.
Christian Gaebler from the Free University of Berlin states that this discovery opens up more possibilities for curing HIV. Previously, it was believed that receiving stem cells from donors with a specific mutation in the CCR5 gene was essential for curing HIV. However, recent cases have challenged this notion.
In the latest case, the man received stem cells to treat leukemia in 2015. Despite not having access to HIV-resistant stem cells, the transplant involved cells with one normal and one mutated copy of the CCR5 gene. Following chemotherapy to eliminate the majority of his immune cells, the donor stem cells were able to establish a healthy immune system.
After approximately three years post-transplant, the man decided to discontinue antiretroviral therapy (ART). Surprisingly, subsequent tests revealed no traces of the virus in his bloodstream. He has now been HIV-free for over seven years, making him a strong candidate for being considered cured.
This case challenges the previous notion that complete removal of CCR5 from immune cells was necessary for an HIV cure. It suggests that the destruction of the recipient’s original immune cells by non-resistant donor cells before the virus can spread may be a key factor in achieving a cure.
Ravindra Gupta from the University of Cambridge notes that this discovery broadens the scope of potential stem cell transplants for curing HIV. While factors such as genetics play a crucial role in the success of this approach, the findings offer hope for a wider range of treatment options.
It is important to highlight that stem cell transplants are not suitable for all HIV patients, as the procedure carries significant risks. For most individuals, ART remains the primary and safer option for managing the virus. Additionally, advancements in HIV prevention, such as lenacapavir, offer promising alternatives to traditional treatments.
Ongoing efforts in genetic editing of immune cells and vaccine development continue to drive progress towards a cure for HIV and improved prevention strategies.
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