Durable antiviral protection via direct in vivo programming of hematopoietic stem cells

Efforts to achieve durable control or eradication of HIV-1 have increasingly turned toward gene-based strategies potentially capable of providing long-term protection. In this context, a new study by Li et al.1 presents a notable conceptual advancement: the direct in vivo genetic programming of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to generate a systemic source of antiviral biologics. By exploring helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HDAd), the authors bypass the logistical and biological constraints associated with ex vivo HSC manipulation.