New sequencing method shows many blood-derived HIV particles are defective
Sydney researchers have developed a way to sequence near-full-length HIV-genomes from viral particles in the blood. This new test is called the PRLS (plasma-derived RNA using long-range sequencing) assay. The test shows that many HIV particles contain defective genomes and are likely not infectious. Researchers can use the test to identify where the virus comes from when they interrupt treatment and virus levels in the blood increase. The team found that cells infected before the start of antiretroviral therapy persist during treatment. These pre-treatment infected cells contribute to detectable HIV levels in blood following treatment interruption. In future, the PRLS assay can help assess HIV cure strategies.
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