HIV blood test sample. Credit: Melnikov Dmitriy, Shutterstock
The new LNP X nanoparticles deliver mRNA to “invisible” HIV cells without toxicity.
Researchers in Melbourne may have taken a major step towards HIV treatment after discovering new ways to uncover viruses hidden within human white blood cells. This has long blocked real progress towards eradicating HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV attacks the body’s immune system and, if not treated, can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Research published in Natural Communication In May 2025, scientists at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity explained how HIV developed a new lipid nanoparticle (LNP) called LNP X, which can supply mRNA to dormant CD4+ T cells. mRNA encodes the TAT protein of HIV, activates viral transcription, essentially “waking up” the virus.
“To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of successful non-toxic in vitro transfection of primary T cells in the absence of presimulation of T cells. This was previously considered a prerequisite for efficient LNP transfection,” the study states.
How to use LNP x can expose HIV hidden within the body
HIV is hidden in the “lacking reservoir” within CD4+ T cells, even those receiving effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). LNP x particles encapsulate the mRNA of the TAT protein and jump HIV transcription without causing unnecessary cell activation.
After one dose of TAT-LNP X, the study found:
- 112-fold increase in multiple spliced HIV RNAs (TAT-REV transcripts)
- HIV transcription exceeds that caused by standard mitogens (PMA/PHA).
- 17.2 times increase in HIV virion production in the medium.
Importantly, this was done without damaging the cells or causing an immune alarm.
Researchers were “overwhelmed” by HIV breakthroughs
One of the chiefs, Dr. Paula Seval, said Guardian The results appeared to be “not true” when first seen in the lab.
This new approach far outweighed previous attempts using old nanoparticle designs and failed to supply mRNA to appropriate immune cells.
There is no treatment for HIV yet, but hope remains
Despite the excitement, the scientists quickly eased their expectations.
“In the field of biomedical, there’s a lot of things that don’t end up in the clinic. That’s an unfortunate truth,” Dr. Several said. “But, specifically, in terms of the field of HIV treatment, I’ve never seen anything better than what we see.”
No reduction in intact HIV DNA was found during the study, so the virus was not eliminated and was merely exposed. The next step requires combining this reactivation with a treatment that kills infected cells. This is still under development.
Natural Communication The paper concludes that LNP X can be used to provide mRNA or CRISPR tools for other “hard-mobility” cell types, such as cancer.
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