Understanding How Some People with HIV Naturally Control the Virus Without Medication

Recent research from the Department of Medicine at Karolinska Institutet sheds light on a fascinating phenomenon: certain individuals living with HIV, known as "elite controllers," are able to manage the virus without the need for antiretroviral therapy. This groundbreaking work, presented at the 23rd European Conference on HIV and Hepatitis 2025, explores how these individuals maintain low or undetectable viral levels and what factors contribute to this natural control.

The scientists, led by Xiangning Bai and Rafael Cena Diez, focused on the role of gut microbiota—the diverse community of bacteria inhabiting the intestines—and specific biochemical substances. Bai's analysis employed advanced deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing to identify previously unknown bacterial species linked with effective HIV control. Notably, the research confirmed elevated levels of a dipeptide called WG in the blood and feces of elite controllers. This compound has demonstrated an inhibitory effect on HIV, suggesting it may play a role in suppressing the virus.

Bai emphasized the importance of exploring whether this bacterial community can produce WG or similar metabolites that contribute to immune defense against HIV. Understanding these interactions could reveal new pathways for prevention and therapy.

Moreover, Cena Diez developed a method using cervical tissue from women without HIV to test how WG impacts virus infection. The findings revealed that WG significantly inhibits HIV entry into tissues without harming the mucosal lining. This points to the potential development of microbicides—topical agents that could be applied to prevent HIV transmission—and opens new possibilities for protective strategies against sexually transmitted infections.

This research enhances our understanding of the complex interactions between gut bacteria and viral suppression, providing hope for innovative approaches to HIV prevention and treatment. Future studies aim to confirm whether manipulating microbiota or administering specific compounds like WG can help more people control HIV naturally.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-people-hiv-virus-treatment.html