Scientists have found a way to detect hidden HIV in the body
Innovative method for detecting HIV inside leukocytes developed
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Researchers at Melbourne's Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity have developed a new method to detect HIV in white blood cells - immune system cells where the virus can hide from therapy, according to a paper published in the journal Nature Communications.
One of the main reasons why HIV is still considered incurable is its ability to hide in white blood cells, forming a so-called latent reservoir. This makes the virus inaccessible to drugs and the immune response.
In a new study, the scientists proposed using nanoparticles — microscopic structures ranging in size from one to 100 nanometers that are highly active and can be adapted for various purposes. These nanoparticles (LNP X), created on the basis of lipids (fatty compounds), are able to penetrate white blood cells and interact with the virus, marking it for therapeutic agents and the immune system.
The experiments were conducted on cells obtained from HIV patients. The results showed that the new technology effectively finds hidden viral foci. However, additional testing on animals and volunteers is needed for clinical use.
Scientists also noted that this new technology could be useful in the treatment of cancer and other diseases where it is important to identify hard-to-reach pathological areas.
Authors:
mk.ru
