Scientists hail breakthrough putting them on ‘pathway to an HIV cure'
Researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute in Melbourne, Australia have discovered a way to force HIV out of hiding within white blood cells, a development previously considered impossible.
The team developed a new type of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) that allows mRNA technology to be delivered to blood cells, instructing them to reveal the virus.
Dr Paula Cevaal said the team was initially skeptical of the results but repeated testing confirmed the breakthrough.
The new method has shown unprecedented success in revealing the virus, offering hope for a potential HIV cure, though further animal and human trials are needed.
The study used cells donated by HIV patients. Future research will focus on whether the immune system can effectively tackle the revealed virus, with years of safety testing anticipated before human trials.
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