A significant study from Australia could offer a potential cure for Human T-Cell leukaemia type 1 (HTLV-1), a virus affecting around 10 million people globally. This virus compromises the immune system and blood cells essential for combating infections. Despite limited previous research on HTLV-1, scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and the Doherty Institute in Melbourne have discovered that existing HIV treatments can inhibit HTLV-1.
This decade-long research involved using mice that had human immune cells vulnerable to HTLV-1. When treated with the antiviral drugs tenofovir and dolutegravir—both well-established in HIV treatment—the researchers found that these medications significantly suppressed HTLV-1 and could selectively eliminate infected cells.
Dr Marcel Doerflinger, co-lead author and lab head at WEHI, hailed this development as a monumental advancement towards a long-term solution for a widespread ailment. He noted that these antivirals are already administered to millions of HIV patients, paving the way for a swift clinical application of the study’s findings without starting from scratch, as the safety and effectiveness of these drugs are already known.
The research holds particular promise for First Nations communities in Central Australia, which have been affected by a more virulent strain of HTLV-1. Professor Damian Purcell from the Doherty Institute expressed optimism that this study could propel efforts to combat HTLV-1 and similar diseases, providing a genuine chance to curb the virus’s transmission and mitigate the resulting health issues.
In summary, the study represents a crucial leap forward in the quest for effective treatments and possibly a cure for HTLV-1, benefiting both the vulnerable populations and the broader medical community.