Yale researchers have highlighted the role of APOBEC3A (A3A) in sustaining HIV latency. A3A is typically found in immune cells such as macrophages. The new study shows that A3A is also found in CD4 T cells. Detailed experiments in lab models of HIV latency show that A3A blocks HIV reactivation. A3A binds directly to HIV, then brings in other repressive proteins which alter the DNA structure. These epigenetic changes prevent HIV reactivation. If A3A is found to act in a similar way in HIV infected people, it could form a new target for reversing latency and progressing towards a cure.
New clue about HIV latency maintenance
