HIV-1 transcriptional modulation: novel host factors and prospective therapeutic strategies

Purpose of review: This review highlights advances in HIV transcription and epigenetic latency mechanisms and outlines current therapeutic approaches to eliminate or block the HIV-1 latent reservoir.

Recent findings: Novel host factors have been reported to modulate HIV-1 transcription and latency. Chromatin affinity purification strategies followed by mass spectrometry (ChAP-MS) identified the chaperone protein p32 to play an important role in HIV-1 transcriptional regulation via interactions with the viral transcriptional activator Tat. Similarly, an shRNA screen identified the methyltransferase SMYD5 contributing to HIV-1 transcriptional activation also by modulating Tat activity. These new factors, among others, represent potential druggable targets that could be explored in the 'block-and-lock' or 'shock-and-kill' approaches.

Summary: The HIV-1 latent reservoir is established early after infection, persists during antiretroviral therapy, and is the source of viral rebound after treatment interruption. An HIV cure requires either eliminating this reservoir or blocking latent proviral reactivation in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Understanding the mechanisms and key-players modulating HIV transcriptional and reactivation may facilitate therapeutic advancements. Here we summarize, the latest findings on host factors' roles in HIV transcriptional regulation.