Looking 4 Cure
Basic science
in HIV cure–related research
What is ''Basic Science''?
Basic science in HIV cure–related research refers to fundamental laboratory research that aims to understand how HIV behaves at the molecular, cellular, and immunological levels, without directly testing treatments in patients.
It focuses on core questions such as:
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How HIV enters cells and integrates into human DNA
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How the virus establishes and maintains the latent reservoir
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How infected cells survive and evade the immune system
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How the immune system recognises or fails to recognise HIV
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Which biological mechanisms could be targeted to eliminate or control the virus
This work is typically conducted in vitro (in cell cultures) or in controlled experimental systems, using methods such as genetic analysis, immune assays, and molecular biology techniques.
The purpose of basic science is to generate the knowledge and hypotheses that enable the development of new cure strategies, which can later be tested in preclinical and clinical research.
We are working to make more videos and content
about what exactly happens in the lab.
In the meanwhile, if you want to learn more,
please check here for important terms and visit:
& Read about our technique to measure the hiv reservoir https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69413-0
Laboratory & Research Methods Key Terms
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction):
PCR is a method that copies tiny amounts of genetic material to make them detectable.
It is used to detect very small amounts of HIV DNA or RNA in samples.
It is important because it helps identify hidden uy virus in reservoirs.
Viral Load Test:
A viral load test measures how much HIV is in the blood.
It is used to monitor how active the virus is during and after treatment.
It is important to assess whether a cure strategy can control HIV without ART.
Transcription:
Transcription is the process of copying DNA into RNA.
It is used to study when HIV becomes active inside infected cells.
It is important for understanding how latent HIV reactivates.
Reverse Transcription:
Reverse transcription is when HIV converts its RNA into DNA.
It is studied to understand early steps of infection.
It is important because blocking this step can stop HIV from establishing infection.
Flow cytometry:
Flow cytometry is a technique that analyses cells using lasers.
It is used to identify and count different immune cell types, including infected cells.
It is important for tracking immune responses and targeting infected cells.
Sequencing:
Sequencing reads the genetic code of HIV or cells. It is used to track mutations and viral diversity. It is important for understanding how HIV escapes treatments.
Genotyping:
Genotyping analyses genetic variations in HIV.
It is used to detect drug resistance.
It is important for designing effective and personalised treatments.
Cell Culture:
Cell culture is the process of growing cells in the lab.
It is used to study HIV infection and test new therapies.
It is important for testing cure strategies before human trials.
In Vitro:
In vitro refers to experiments done outside the body.
It is used to test ideas in controlled lab conditions.
It is important for early-stage development of cure approaches.
In vivo:
In vivo refers to experiments in living organisms.
It is used to test safety and effectiveness in real biological systems.
It is important for translating lab findings into real treatments.
Biomarker:
A biomarker is a measurable indicator in the body.
It is used to track disease activity or treatment effects.
It is important for evaluating whether a cure strategy is working..
Assay:
An assay is a laboratory test designed to measure something specific.
It is used to detect HIV or immune responses.
It is important for accurately measuring the reservoir and treatment effects.
Limit of Detection:
The limit of detection is the smallest amount a test can reliably measure.
It is used to interpret whether HIV is truly absent or just very low.
It is important for evaluating claims of remission or cure.
Single-Cell Analysis:
Single-cell analysis studies individual cells in detail.
It is used to understand how HIV behaves differently in each cell.
It is important for developing targeted cure strategies.
Immunoassay:
An immunoassay uses antibodies to detect molecules.
It is used to measure immune responses or HIV proteins.
It is important for vaccine and antibody-based research.
