Application and Development of Gene Therapy in HIV-Treatment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/a7rqmc11Keywords:
HIV gene therapy, CRISPR-Cas9, CCR5 gene editing, CAR-T therapy, latent HIV reservoirs.Abstract
As an emerging treatment strategy, HIV gene therapy has shown potential breakthrough results. Existing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, ZFN, and CAR-T cells have made significant progress in laboratory and early clinical trials by targeting viral genomes or host receptors, such as the CCR5 gene, and enhancing the ability of immune cells to recognize and eliminate HIV infected cells. These methods aim to overcome the limitations of traditional antiretroviral therapy (ART), especially the inability of ART to eliminate the HIV latent pool and the dependence on lifelong medication. However, the widespread application of HIV gene therapy still faces significant challenges, including the high variability of HIV, off target effects of gene editing technology, safety of gene delivery tools, and related ethical issues. Future research directions will focus on multi-target gene editing technology, safe and efficient gene delivery tools such as non-viral vectors, immune reconstruction, and gene therapy combined with vaccines or ART therapies, in order to improve treatment efficacy and achieve functional cure. For example, after vaccines stimulate the immune system, gene edited T cells or CAR-T cells can more effectively clear infected cells and reduce the risk of virus rebound. Through multi-level combination therapy, not only can the dependence on lifelong medication be reduced, but it also provides new possibilities for the complete cure of HIV. Despite numerous challenges, the application prospects of gene therapy in HIV treatment are broad, and it is expected to bring more benefits to patients with continuous technological progress and international cooperation.
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