Solving Delivery Of Gene Therapy For Control Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,439.00
Summary
Antiretroviral therapy free control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection requires control of the viral reservoir. We have a unique approach, aimed at enforcing HIV latency by targeting highly conserved regions in the viral promoter. These constructs completely silence viral transcription for long periods of time. We intend to develop & assess vectors that are specifically targeted to the reservoir and which can enforce viral latency despite immune activation or viral variation.
HIV-1 Transcriptional Gene Silencing By Promoter Targeted Si/shRNAs: Uncovering Mechanisms, Optimising Delivery Systems, Assessing In Vivo Efficacy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$641,789.00
Summary
Current therapy for HIV is effective but must be taken for life. If therapy is stopped the virus comes back immediately from reservoirs not affected by current drugs. These fluctuating levels of virus are associated with increased illness and death. We are exploring a method of inducing prolonged viral latency using short double stranded RNA molecules. We propose to understand the mechanism of action of these possible therapeutics and to develop these constructs towards use in clinical trials.
A Potent Anti-HIV-1 Gene Therapy Agent In A Humanised Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,147,139.00
Summary
We have shown that a synthetic protein called Nullbasic can protect human cells from becoming infected by the AIDS virus, HIV-1. In this project a gene therapy approach will be used to test if a human immune system modified to contain Nullbasic is protected from HIV-1 in an animal model.
Successful HIV remission and cure, where patients can live normally without daily drug therapy and risk of transmitting infectious virus, will critically depend on understanding the mechanisms that control the expression of viral messenger RNA and proteins. This project further explores the mechanisms controling poorly understood steps in the proecssing of viral mRNA that are required for HIV protein produciton, and identifies new targets and strategies to drive HIV into permanent remission.