In a major medical breakthrough, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine have found a new way the HIV-1 virus escapes the body’s immune system. This discovery shows how the virus stays hidden and keeps spreading — making it even harder to cure. The secret? A special kind of RNA called circular RNA, or circRNA.
What Are Circular RNAs?
Most RNAs in our body are straight-line molecules, but circular RNAs form loops. These loops are more stable and act like sponges. They “soak up” small molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs), which normally help control the body’s defense system by turning certain genes on or off.
Until now, circular RNAs were mostly seen in large DNA viruses like herpes and Epstein-Barr. But this new study shows, for the first time, that an RNA virus like HIV-1 can also make circular RNAs. This changes what scientists thought they knew about HIV and how it works inside the body.
HIV’s Smart Trick: Blocking the Immune System
When a person gets infected with HIV, the immune system sends out CD4+ T cells that release miRNAs such as miR-6727-3p and miR-4722-3p. These miRNAs help fight the virus. But HIV has its own trick — it produces circRNAs that trap and block these miRNAs.
This weakens the immune system and allows HIV to keep making copies of itself. That’s one reason why HIV can stay hidden for years and why it’s so difficult to completely remove from the body.
First Proof of HIV Making Circular RNAs
This study, published in the journal npj Viruses, provides the first real lab evidence that HIV can make circular RNAs from its genetic material after entering human cells. The researchers identified at least 15 different types of HIV-related circRNAs using advanced lab tools and DNA sequencing.
One common circular RNA found in the study, called Circ23, contains parts of the HIV genetic code that were not fully understood earlier. Now it’s clear that this RNA plays a role in helping the virus stay alive and reproduce.
Why Some People May Respond Differently to HIV
The researchers also discovered that the amount of circular RNA made by HIV may vary from person to person. This might help explain why some people respond better to HIV treatment than others. It could depend on how each person’s cells process RNA and how many RNA-binding proteins are available to make the circRNAs.
This also relates to viral latency — a stage where the virus hides quietly in the body without showing symptoms and resists treatment.
Future Treatments: A New Way to Fight HIV
The team now plans to develop treatments that block these HIV-made circRNAs using special tools called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). These will be tested on infected cells to see how they work.
They also hope to use droplet digital PCR, a new lab technique, to measure circular RNAs more accurately in people living with HIV.
This discovery opens a new chapter in the fight against HIV. By showing that HIV can make circular RNAs to escape the immune system, scientists now have a brand-new target for treatment. Blocking these stable RNA loops might be the key to stopping the virus from hiding — and could bring us closer to a possible cure in the future. The research also adds to our understanding of how the virus works, helping doctors find better ways to treat and manage the infection.
FAQs
What new discovery did scientists make about HIV-1?
Scientists found that HIV-1 can produce circular RNAs (circRNAs), which help the virus escape the immune system and continue replicating in the body.
What are circular RNAs and why are they important in HIV?
Circular RNAs are loop-shaped RNA molecules that are more stable than regular RNAs. HIV uses them to trap microRNAs that normally help the body fight infection, allowing the virus to survive and replicate.
How does HIV use circular RNAs to evade the immune system?
HIV creates circular RNAs that soak up specific microRNAs (miR-6727-3p and miR-4722-3p), which weakens the immune response. This helps HIV hide in the body and makes it harder to cure.
What is Circ23 and what role does it play in HIV?
Circ23 is one of the most common circular RNAs made by HIV. It includes parts of the virus’ genetic code that are believed to help the virus survive and make more copies of itself.
Could this discovery lead to new HIV treatments?
Yes, scientists are now exploring how to block these circular RNAs using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). This could help stop HIV from hiding and lead to more effective treatments.