Sequential LASER ART and CRISPR Treatments Eliminate HIV-1 in a Subset of Infected Humanized Mice

Nat Commun. 2019 Jul 2;10(1):2753. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10366-y.

Abstract

Elimination of HIV-1 requires clearance and removal of integrated proviral DNA from infected cells and tissues. Here, sequential long-acting slow-effective release antiviral therapy (LASER ART) and CRISPR-Cas9 demonstrate viral clearance in latent infectious reservoirs in HIV-1 infected humanized mice. HIV-1 subgenomic DNA fragments, spanning the long terminal repeats and the Gag gene, are excised in vivo, resulting in elimination of integrated proviral DNA; virus is not detected in blood, lymphoid tissue, bone marrow and brain by nested and digital-droplet PCR as well as RNAscope tests. No CRISPR-Cas9 mediated off-target effects are detected. Adoptive transfer of human immunocytes from dual treated, virus-free animals to uninfected humanized mice fails to produce infectious progeny virus. In contrast, HIV-1 is readily detected following sole LASER ART or CRISPR-Cas9 treatment. These data provide proof-of-concept that permanent viral elimination is possible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / immunology
  • Gene Editing
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • HIV-1 / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Virus Latency

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • DNA, Viral