HIV latency by the change of microenvironment

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K08814
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Virology
• Research Institution: Yokohama City University
• Principal Investigator: MIYAKAWA Kei 横浜市立大学, 医学部, 講師 (20580046)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: HIV潜伏化 / HIV再活性化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The availability of highly effective anti-retroviral drugs has nearly suppressed the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. However, the reactivation of the virus upon discontinuation of medication is a major problem, as these therapeutic agents can not eliminate latently infected cells. The detailed mechanisms involved in HIV latency and reactivation still remain unknown. In this study, we established model cells capable of quantifying the transcriptional activity of HIV and aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in HIV reactivation and latency. In this study, we found the involvement of central nervous signaling in HIV reactivation. We also identified two host factors involved in HIV latency. The scope of this study could be extended to develop novel therapeutic agents against HIV latency in the future.

Free Research Field

ウイルス学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

HIV潜伏化や再活性化メカニズムが解明されることで、エイズ発症を防止する従来の治療から、エイズ克服にむけた治療法の開発に貢献できる可能性がある。本研究ではHIV潜伏化に関与する宿主因子を複数同定したことから、今後これらの因子に対する標的薬開発を行う予定である。