It turns out that HIV can also hide in the brain

Scientists have identified the source of AIDS, which killed millions of people. HIV made a discovery about him that had not been proven before. The article published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation states that the virus, which is normally known to hide in the blood, stored in the brain revealed.

The study broke new ground by proving this situation, which scientists have long suspected. It plays a role in the formation of the brain’s own immune system. microglia It was seen that the cells named after the virus acted as a permanent hiding place for the virus.

Could lead to cure for hidden HIV

According to scientists, HIV can affect microglia cells and go into a dormant state. Even if current antiretroviral HIV treatments are discontinued, the virus may return from this hiding state, causing the infection to reactivate and even develop into AIDS.

The life cycle of HIV, a retrovirus, normally requires it to make a copy of its genetic material and insert it into human cells. It usually affects white blood cells, which are an important part of the immune system. These cells succumb to the virus. damage to the immune system and can eventually cause AIDS.

However, sometimes these do not occur in the HIV virus and into passive state they can pass. This situation over the years it can last. While current treatments can control the infection, they are not effective against this dormant state. Therefore, the dormant virus carries the risk of causing disease. Here, new research reveals that HIV can hide in the brain in addition to blood cells.

Scientists believe that with the new discovery, there may be a way to eradicate latent HIV, which can be used for infection. real He says there may be a cure. But they add that this is a very challenging task and that more research is needed.