Understanding latent HIV-1 reservoirs through host genomics approaches

Kamil Więcek; Heng-Chang Chen

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2023.108342

Understanding latent HIV-1 reservoirs through host genomics approaches

iScience. 2023 Oct 28;26(11):108342. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108342. eCollection 2023 Nov 17.

Authors

Kamil Więcek¹, Heng-Chang Chen¹

Affiliation

¹ Epigenetics of Infectious Diseases Research Group, Population Diagnostics Center, Lukasiewicz Research Network - PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Stablowicka 147, 54-066 Wroclaw, Poland.

Abstract

Genetically intact HIV-1 proviruses are a major concern with regard to curing infection because they cause viral rebound after the cessation of antiretroviral therapy. However, intact proviruses are not prevalent in HIV-1 reservoirs. As such, it is essential to precisely determine the position of these proviruses before putting forward a better antiretroviral cure. Recently, a revised HIV-1 deeply latent reservoir concept has been proposed, stating that the progress of the establishment of HIV-1 reservoirs is influenced by immune-mediated selection during the course of infection. This selection force leads to the persistence of genetically intact proviruses as those with the best fit to avoid clearance. This hypothesis refreshes our understanding of HIV-1 latent reservoirs. For this reason, we reviewed current studies relevant to this theme and provide our perspectives to reinforce the overall understanding of HIV-1 latency in the context of the host genome.

Keywords: Genomics; Immunology; Virology.

Publication types

Review