HIV Drugs vs. Deadly Virus: A Silent Threat
Breakthrough in HTLV-1 Research: Humanised Mouse models Reveal Aggressive nature of Australian Strain
Melbourne, Australia – Groundbreaking research from teh Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) has unveiled critical insights into the Human T-lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1), especially the unique Australian strain, HTLV-1c. Spearheaded by Dr. James Cooney and Professor Marc Pellegrini, the study utilized novel humanised mouse models to demonstrate that HTLV-1c exhibits more aggressive disease characteristics compared to it’s international counterpart, HTLV-1a. This advancement offers significant hope for developing targeted therapies and prevention strategies for a virus that has long been neglected.The development of these refined humanised mouse models was central to the study’s success. Professor Pellegrini, a study lead author and Executive Director at the Centenary Institute, highlighted their importance. “These mouse models were not only critical in identifying potential therapeutic targets but also allowed researchers to understand how different strains of the HTLV-1 virus can alter disease symptoms and outcomes,” he explained. “This is particularly important for the unique strain that is present in Australia, HTLV-1c.”
For years,scientists have hypothesized that viral subtype differences could influence disease progression,but a lack of dedicated research into HTLV-1 has hindered the collection of supporting evidence.”Our study provides critical insights that enable us to better understand the consequences of the distinct molecular make-up of the virus affecting our First Nations communities,” Professor pellegrini stated. “This will further help us to investigate ways to create the tools needed to control the spread of this virus subtype.”
The crucial human HTLV-1 samples required for the mouse model development were sourced through the dedicated front-line clinical work of Associate Professor Lloyd Einsiedel. A Clinician Scientist at the Doherty Institute and Infectious Diseases Physician, Associate Professor Einsiedel has provided vital clinical services in central Australia for over a decade, substantially contributing to raising the profile of HTLV-1.
Further bolstering these findings, Professor Damian Purcell, Head of Molecular Virology at the Doherty institute and a co-lead author, successfully isolated the virus from first Nations donors. His research identified significant genetic distinctions between the HTLV-1c strains from central Australia and the internationally prevalent HTLV-1a strains. The study confirmed that both HTLV-1 strains cause disease in mice, with HTLV-1c demonstrating more aggressive features.Encouragingly, the identified drug therapies proved equally effective against both strains.
Professor Purcell and Associate Professor Einsiedel have been tireless advocates for addressing HTLV-1, working collaboratively with the national Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Association (NACCHO) HTLV-1 committee and the Australian Department of Health. Their sustained advocacy led to the world Health Organization (WHO) formally classifying the virus as a Threatening Pathogen to Humans in 2021. this classification has paved the way for the development of formal WHO policies to curb international transmission and the creation of clinical management guidelines for HTLV-1c in Central Australia, under NACCHO’s leadership.
“Despite Australia’s high burden of HTLV-1, the virus and its associated diseases are still not notifiable in most states, and true infection rates in the nation remain unknown,” Professor Purcell emphasized. “People at risk from HTLV-1 deserve biomedical tools like those that provide game-changing therapeutic and prevention options for other blood-borne persistent viral infections, such as HIV.”
The research team sees a significant possibility to prevent HTLV-1 transmission and eradicate its associated diseases. “Our research findings are a major leap forward in this,” Professor Purcell added.
Currently, the research team is in discussions with the pharmaceutical companies behind the HIV antivirals utilized in the study. The goal is to explore the inclusion of HTLV-1 patients in ongoing clinical trials. Success in this endeavor would mark a pivotal moment, possibly leading to these drugs becoming the first approved pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options for preventing HTLV-1 acquisition.
This vital research was supported by The Australian Center for HIV and Hepatitis Virology research, The Phyllis Connor Memorial Trust, Drakensberg Trust, and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).