Nature sub-journal publishes functional map of HIV-T cell interaction

Like all viruses, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cannot replicate on its own

To achieve this, the scientists used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create a functional map of the interaction between HIV and human T cells

The researchers believe this study opens the door to exploring these interactions and ultimately developing new drugs that block them

Co-corresponding author Dr Judd Hultquist said: "Existing antiviral drugs have shown promising results in reducing HIV replication in the body, but these drugs have some drawbacks, including the need for people to take them for life

In this study, the researchers focused on the interactions between proteins

"This allows us to map very specifically how HIV interacts with these human proteins," said co-first author Joseph Hiatt of UCSF

Investigators have devoted more than six months to the project

"Over the past two years, the world has focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, while other pandemics have faded from view," Hultquist said

Original text retrieval

Hiatt, J.