Venetoclax cancer drug reduces HIV-like infected cells in study

Researchers at Emory University have discovered that the cancer drug venetoclax can reduce cells infected by a virus similar to HIV. The study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, utilized monkey models to test the drug in combination with antiretroviral therapy.

The primary goal of the research is to target the viral reservoir, which consists of infected cells that persist in the body despite standard treatment, making the virus difficult to eliminate. Venetoclax works by blocking the Bcl-2 protein, which is associated with cell survival and contributes to the longevity of HIV-infected cells.

In the tests, combining venetoclax with antiretroviral therapy reduced infected CD4 T cells more rapidly than using standard therapy alone. Researchers noted that finding ways to eliminate these cells is essential to preventing the virus from multiplying again if treatment is interrupted.