Today there are good HIV inhibitors that allow people with HIV to function perfectly normally. But research into a cure is still absolutely necessary, emphasizes Professor Linos Vandekerckhove of the HIV Reference Center at Ghent University Hospital: “Of the 40 million people with HIV in the world, 12 million do not have access to HIV inhibitors. That is why we continue to look for a definitive cure, because cure is a top priority, especially for people who do not have access to HIV inhibitors.”
Stigma surrounding HIV
In addition, there is the stigma that still exists around HIV. “There is a good chance that you know up to two HIV-positive people, but probably don’t know it. The shame is still great. Every day that someone takes HIV inhibitors, that person is reminded of their HIV status and guilt arises. Even though there is no need for that guilt and stigma. A medicine can free them from that.”
“A third advantage is that a medicine can enormously reduce the social cost. Brakes cost society about €1,000 per month per person. Healing could completely eliminate that cost.”
Medically speaking, healing is always better than chronic suppression. “From a medical point of view, people age faster and will suffer more from cardiovascular diseases, cancers, infections, … Because the virus is still present in your immune cells, you are more susceptible to all kinds of age-related ailments. ‘Inflammaging’ we call that. Here in the West, these aging effects have little impact on life expectancy because people with HIV are strictly monitored. But that is not the case in large parts of the world, such as in sub-Sahara or countries such as Ukraine.”
Vaccine or medicine against HIV
The question arises why, after four decades of research, no preventive vaccine or medicine has yet been found. Linos has a good explanation for this: “It is a particularly ingenious virus that continuously adapts to our immune system. This makes it very difficult to develop therapies or vaccines for it. The virus hides in our immune cells, creating dormant bombs. As soon as you stop taking HIV inhibitors, the bomb explodes.”
The HIV Unraveling Fund is necessary to guarantee the continuity of the research team’s operations. “We mainly receive funding per research project, but our lab does much more. Donations via the Fund are also very important to keep research talent on board. Our team of 25 researchers carries out projects with labs in Europe and the US. The approach in our lab is unique because it maps the disease in depth. We do not limit ourselves to a blood test to see how much virus is in the blood, but look more broadly: how much is in the lymph nodes or in the lymphatic tissue of the intestines? We find out how much virus there is and where it is hiding. We are trying to better understand the disease in the different organs, where 95 percent of the virus hides. Searching for the virus is like looking for a needle in a haystack because it spreads throughout the body.” That is why the team also works with other specialists such as gastrointestinal specialists, vascular surgeons… “We conduct such an extensive examination at the time of diagnosis and again after two years. This produces unique samples in the biobank for research at Ghent University and at our partner labs.”
Promising research
Is there also potential in that research to arrive at a medicine? “There are projects underway for mRNA-based strategies, where we wake up the dormant virus and then have it removed by the immune system. We are developing immunotherapies like you see in cancer research. We have also been working on our own immune strategy for six years, which we will deliver in two years’ time – after a phase 1 clinical study will know if it works. If those results were positive, there is still a long way to go. So a cure is not yet available for tomorrow. In addition to this promising research, there is still much going on in the world. So I am convinced that we will one day find a cure.”
Let’s Talk HIV: Inhibitors, Stigma, and the Search for a Cure
So, here we are, folks. It’s the 21st century, and we’ve got some pretty decent HIV inhibitors out there allowing people to go about their lives like it’s a Sunday morning without a care in the world. But hold on to your hats – Professor Linos Vandekerckhove from Ghent University Hospital reminds us that 12 million people globally are still in the dark without access to these HIV inhibitors. Imagine trying to have a picnic in the rain while everyone else is chilling under an umbrella. No wonder they’ve got the utmost priority to push for a definitive cure!
The Stigma That Just Won’t Budge
Speaking of rain, let’s talk about the heavy cloud of stigma that still looms over HIV. Did you know you might be rubbing elbows with not one, but two HIV-positive pals without even realizing it? “There’s a good chance you know them, but probably don’t know it.” It’s like a secret club—but one no one wants to join! And let’s face it, the shame and guilt are still at play here, as every day on the inhibitors reminds these individuals of their status. It’s like carrying a shopping bag with an embarrassing brand logo, while you should just flaunt it like it’s the latest fashion! Take the medication and liberate yourselves from the guilt, people!
Cost Efficient? You Bet!
And oh boy, does healing have benefits! Imagine cutting the societal costs of treating HIV! A single person costs society around €1,000 a month. Picture it! Curing instead of chronic suppression could be the biggest money-saving scheme since sliced bread. And who wouldn’t want to save a bit of cash, especially in this economy?!
Why No Vaccine Yet?
You might be wondering: “After all these years, why hasn’t a preventive vaccine popped up yet?” Well, hold your applause, because the HIV virus is quite the genius! It specializes in hiding and adapting quicker than your mate who is always on the run from tax season. It’s like an introvert at a party; as soon as you notice it’s there, it slips back into the shadows. “It hides in our immune cells and creates dormant bombs,” says Vandekerckhove. Can we not get a little less dramatic here? But hey, knowing that this virus is more cunning than a fox with a Master’s degree just gives us more reasons to keep looking for a cure.
Funding the Future of Research
Let’s talk dollars and sense – or rather, the HIV Unraveling Fund, which is critical for keeping the wheels of research turning at Ghent University. Receiving funding project by project is like trying to juggle flaming torches while skateboarding on thin ice. The lab isn’t just a one-trick pony; they delve deeper than a teenager’s feelings about their crush! They’re mapping out the ins and outs of HIV, using unique research to uncover the lurking virus hidden in the nooks and crannies of our lymph nodes and intestines. It’s like finding your lost sock in the washing machine, except you’re looking for a deadly virus. And currently, they’re collaborating with specialists to leave no stone unturned in their quest.
Promising Research on the Horizon
Now, let’s bring home the good news! There are moonshots underway! Projects involving mRNA-based strategies that shake up dormant viruses are in the lab – it’s like waking up a grumpy old troll and saying, “Hey buddy, you’re not as nasty as you think!” And if you’re wondering whether this will yield results? “We have an immune strategy in the pipeline that we hope to see thriving after phase 1 studies,” says Linos. It’s like waiting for a new iPhone; sure, it’ll take time, but when it drops, you know it’ll be the latest must-have! Until then, excitement and hope are on the rise.
So, there you have it! The battle against HIV continues with its twists and turns, but with the bright minds at work and a bit of optimism, we might just see the end of this dark tunnel. Until then, let’s keep that stigma on the low, fund the right research, and maybe—just maybe—celebrate the day we can all cure HIV with a good old-fashioned Brit-style cuppa!
### Interview with Professor Linos Vandekerckhove
### Interview with Professor Linos Vandekerckhove
**Interviewer:** Welcome to our program, Professor Vandekerckhove! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the important topic of HIV research and the challenges we’re currently facing.
**Professor Vandekerckhove:** Thank you for having me! I’m glad to be here to shed light on this crucial issue.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. It’s hard to believe that after four decades of research, we still don’t have a preventive vaccine for HIV. What makes this virus so difficult to tackle?
**Professor Vandekerckhove:** That’s a fantastic question. HIV is an exceptionally clever virus. It continuously adapts to evade our immune response, which makes developing therapies and vaccines incredibly challenging. It hides within our immune cells and forms dormant reservoirs, which we refer to as “dormant bombs.” When you stop taking HIV inhibitors, it can become active again, which complicates the treatment landscape.
**Interviewer:** With approximately 12 million people lacking access to HIV inhibitors worldwide, why is finding a cure still a top priority?
**Professor Vandekerckhove:** Absolutely, that’s a significant concern. While our current HIV inhibitors allow many individuals to live healthy lives, they remain dependent on these medications. This isn’t an ideal long-term solution, especially for those without access. A definitive cure would not only liberate individuals from lifelong medication but also significantly reduce the societal costs associated with treating HIV, which averages about €1,000 per person per month. Healing is not just a medical necessity; it’s also a financial imperative.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of societal costs, can you elaborate on the potential impact a cure could have on public health and stigma?
**Professor Vandekerckhove:** Certainly. Beyond the economic aspect, there’s the psychological impact of living with HIV. Many individuals experience stigma and guilt, which can affect their mental health and social interactions. Curing HIV could alleviate some of this stigma, allowing individuals to live freely without the constant reminder of their condition.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned earlier about the unique research approach your team is taking. Could you tell us more about that?
**Professor Vandekerckhove:** Of course! Our lab focuses on understanding HIV in-depth, not just through blood tests but by exploring where the virus resides in other parts of the body, like lymph nodes and intestinal tissues. We are collaborating with specialists in various fields to conduct comprehensive examinations, which in turn helps us build a rich biobank for future research.
**Interviewer:** That sounds innovative! As we look forward, are there any promising advancements you can share regarding potential treatments or cures?
**Professor Vandekerckhove:** Yes, we have some exciting projects in the pipeline! For instance, we’re exploring mRNA-based strategies similar to those used for COVID-19 vaccines to reactivate dormant HIV and subsequently target it with the immune system. Additionally, we’re developing immunotherapies, which we hope to start clinical trials for soon. While we are experiencing progress, I must emphasize that therapeutic breakthroughs take time, and we still have a long journey ahead.
**Interviewer:** It’s comforting to know that research is ongoing and focused on making a positive change. What’s your message to our audience regarding HIV awareness and the importance of funding?
**Professor Vandekerckhove:** Awareness and funding are critical. We need continuous support for research initiatives like the HIV Unraveling Fund to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Even a small donation can help sustain our operations and maintain research talent. Additionally, spreading awareness helps reduce stigma and empowers individuals to seek help. We are all in this together, and collective efforts can make a meaningful difference.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Vandekerckhove, for your insights and for the important work you and your team are doing in the fight against HIV.
**Professor Vandekerckhove:** Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure discussing these vital topics with you.
