HIV-1 subtype A1, D, and recombinant proviral genome landscapes during long-term suppressive therapy

This study focused on understanding the genetic characteristics of HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS, in people who have been on long-term suppressive therapy. The research specifically looked at three types of HIV-1: Subtype A1, Subtype D, and recombinant forms (which are mixtures of different subtypes). Even though the therapy successfully kept the virus at undetectable levels in the blood, the virus’s genetic material (proviral genome) remains hidden in certain cells. This study mapped out the genetic landscapes of these hidden virus forms to see if they were different across the three HIV-1 types. The findings showed that while the virus remains largely unchanged during long-term therapy, certain small differences in the genetic material can be seen depending on the subtype. This information helps scientists better understand how the virus persists in the body despite treatment and could lead to more targeted approaches in future HIV therapies.