A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Woong-Ki Kim at Tulane University has revealed that an experimental cancer drug may hold the key to clearing HIV from infected brain cells. The research, published in the journal Brain, demonstrates that the drug significantly reduced levels of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), the nonhuman primate equivalent of HIV, in the brain.
For the first time, scientists targeted specific immune cells harboring the virus in the brain, achieving a 95-99% reduction in viral DNA without harming essential brain cells or causing liver toxicity. The study employed a small molecule inhibitor, BLZ945, previously studied for ALS and brain cancer, to block a receptor in HIV-infected macrophages.
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Dr. Kim hailed the findings as “an important step in tackling brain-related issues caused by HIV,” which affects nearly half of those living with the virus. The challenge of eliminating HIV from the brain stems from the blood-brain barrier, which prevents effective treatment and allows the virus to hide in long-lived cells.
The next step involves testing this therapy alongside antiretroviral treatment (ART) to evaluate its potential in a comprehensive HIV eradication strategy. This innovative approach could revolutionize HIV treatment and significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by the virus.
The study’s promising results offer new hope for addressing the lingering brain-related issues caused by HIV, despite effective medications. Further research is eagerly anticipated to explore the full potential of this groundbreaking therapy.
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