Hypochlorous acid: A multifaceted and promising therapeutic perspective against human immunodeficiency virus

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a naturally occurring antimicrobial agent produced by neutrophils during the respiratory burst, has emerged as a potential candidate for antiviral intervention. This perspective article explores its possible therapeutic application in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, leveraging its well-documented oxidative properties. HOCl exerts its antiviral effects through targeted oxidative modifications of key viral components, including disulfide bonds in envelope glycoproteins (gp120 and gp41), thiol-dependent viral enzymes, and lipid membranes. These modifications disrupt viral entry, replication, and maturation, potentially limiting HIV infectivity. In addition, HOCl plays a pivotal role in modulating innate immune responses by enhancing phagocytic activity and cytokine signaling, which may contribute to immune-mediated viral suppression. While existing evidence suggests that HOCl could serve as a complementary or alternative approach to conventional antiretroviral therapy, its therapeutic application in HIV remains speculative. Critical aspects such as optimal dosing, delivery mechanisms, host specificity, and long-term safety require further investigation before clinical translation can be considered. This article provides a scientific perspective on HOCl’s antiviral potential, advocating for further research to assess its feasibility and efficacy in HIV treatment.