Overview

• The Peter Doherty Institute used a novel lipid nanoparticle, LNP X, to deliver mRNA into white blood cells that harbor latent HIV.
• Encapsulated mRNA instructs these cells to reveal the hidden virus, making it detectable to the immune system or other treatments.
• The team confirmed the breakthrough through repeated laboratory tests using patient-donated cells and published the findings in Nature Communications.
• Researchers caution that further studies in animals and human safety trials are required to determine whether this method can fully clear HIV from the body.
• Experts say the approach could have broader applications in diseases like cancer and offers hope for the 40 million people worldwide on lifelong HIV therapy.