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Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access Discount via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2026CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Breaking into HIV-1’s Epigenetic Vault: Cure Strategies to Eliminate the Viral Reservoir
Viruses, v 18(3), p354
13 Mar 2026
PMID: 41902262
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Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus that integrates into the host cell’s DNA as a provirus. Transcription from the provirus is regulated in large part by cellular proteins and epigenetic factors. These may be repressive or permissive to productive infection. The host factors that regulate this balance are therefore attractive targets for HIV-1 therapeutics. Indeed, proviral chromatin is the focus of two of the current HIV-1 cure strategies. “Shock and Kill” uses latency reversal agents to open the provirus’s chromatin, promoting high levels of gene expression that induce the killing of infected cells. “Block and Lock” uses latency promoting agents to induce heterochromatin, blocking transcription and forcing HIV-1 into a state of deep latency. Here, the compounds investigated in both strategies are reviewed, including their chemical structures, mechanisms of action, and clinical results. Finally, the use of CRISPR-Cas therapeutics and the impact of chromatin architecture on its efficacy are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Breaking into HIV-1’s Epigenetic Vault: Cure Strategies to Eliminate the Viral Reservoir
- Creators
- Joanna E. Jones - Drexel University, Microbiology and ImmunologyChelsea E. Gunderson - Drexel University, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious DiseaseBrian Wigdahl - Drexel University, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious DiseaseMichael R. Nonnemacher (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Microbiology and Immunology
- Publication Details
- Viruses, v 18(3), p354
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Number of pages
- 56
- Grant note
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): R01 MH110360 NIMH Comprehensive NeuroHIV Center (CNHC): P30 MH092177 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award: T32 MH079785
This work was supported by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) R01 MH110360 (Contact PI, BW), NIMH Comprehensive NeuroHIV Center (CNHC) P30 MH092177 (Kamel Khalili, PI; Brian Wigdahl, Co-Director and PI of the Drexel University subcontract), and the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award T32 MH079785 (Brian Wigdahl, Principal Investigator of the Drexel University College of Medicine component). The contents of the paper were solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Microbiology and Immunology; Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001726437700001
- Other Identifier
- 991022170559504721