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| Scientists have discovered a virus-inhibiting region in the HTLV-1 virus genome, and the mechanism may also apply to HIV. (Source: Science Daily) |
A research team from Kumamoto University, led by Professor Yorifumi Satou, discovered a “viral suppression region” located in the genome of the HTLV-1 virus.
This gene segment "recruits" human cell transcription factors, especially the RUNX1 complex, which helps to suppress the activity of the virus, putting it into a dormant state. Thanks to that, the virus can evade detection by the immune system for a long time.
HTLV-1 is a rare but dangerous oncogenic retrovirus that can lead to adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), a malignant and difficult-to-treat form of cancer. Although most people with the virus do not show symptoms, a small percentage can develop cancer or serious immune disorders over many years.
In experiments, when the “inhibitor” portion of HTLV-1 was removed or mutated, the virus became more active and more vulnerable to the immune system. Notably, when scientists introduced this “inhibitor” portion into HIV, they found that HIV also “calmed down” significantly—replicating less, destroying less cells, and seemingly entering a latent state of sleep.
“For the first time, we have discovered an intrinsic mechanism by which the human leukemia virus controls its own ‘stealth’ ability,” said Professor Satou. “This is a sophisticated evolutionary strategy, and now that we understand it, we can exploit it to develop treatments.”
This discovery opens up new prospects not only for treating HTLV-1 - which is endemic in areas such as southwestern Japan - but could also serve as a basis for developing strategies to control other dangerous retroviruses such as HIV.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chia-khoa-moi-giup-ru-ngu-virus-hiv-323183.html
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