Current trends and future of gene-cell immunotherapy in the treatment of HIV infection

Despite significant advancements in antiretroviral therapy, HIV viral reservoirs continue to persist even in patients receiving combination therapy. In recent years, promising results have emerged in HIV treatment, including two cases of functional cure known as the “Berlin patient” and the “London patient”, both of whom received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants from donors with the CCR5Δ32 mutation. These cases underscore the importance of genetically modified stem cells in achieving resistance to HIV. The development of genome editing methods, such as CRISPR/Cas9, opens new horizons for creating targeted therapies aimed at eliminating the virus from infected cells. Research also shows promise in the application of cell immunotherapy, including CAR T-cells and NK cells, which may enhance control over HIV due to their ability to recognize and destroy infected cells. In light of these achievements, research in gene therapy targeting co-receptors, as well as new approaches such as virus activation and elimination methods, represents critical steps toward achieving a functional cure for HIV.This review discusses progress in genetic manipulation, immunotherapy, and the adaptation of conditioning regimens to develop effective treatment strategies for a broad range of HIV patients.