An illustration of a T-Cell.
Share this @internewscast.com

A landmark Australian study may have found a treatment and cure for a virus that impacts 10 million people worldwide.

Human T-Cell leukemia type 1 (HTLV-1) is a dangerous virus that affects the immune system and blood cells that are crucial for fighting infections.

While research on HTLV-1 has been limited, a study by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and the Doherty Institute in Melbourne discovered that existing HIV treatments can also help control HTLV-1.

An illustration of a T-Cell.
An illustration of a T-Cell.(Supplied)

The study, which took place over 10 years, saw mice infected with human immune cells susceptible to HTLV-1 infections. 

When mice were administered two well-known antiviral medications, tenofovir and dolutegravir, the findings revealed these drugs could drastically reduce HTLV-1.

The study also found the cells could be selectively killed when the mice were treated with these drugs.

Co-lead author and WEHI laboratory head Dr Marcel Doerflinger praised the development as a huge step in the right direction for finding a long-term treatment and cure to a highly prevalent disease.

“What’s most exciting is that these antivirals are already in use for millions of HIV patients, meaning there’s a direct path for the clinical translation of our findings,” Doerflinger said.

“We won’t have to start from scratch because we already know these drugs are safe and effective.

“And now we’ve shown that their use can very likely be extended to HTLV-1.”

The study also found the cells could be selectively killed when the mice were treated with these drugs, further emphasising the potential for a cure to HTLV-1.

This is particularly important for First Nations communities in parts of Central Australia, who have been impacted by a particularly aggressive strain of the virus.

Professor Damian Purcell of the Doherty Institute said the study would help experts in fighting both HTLV-1 and other similar diseases.

“There is a real opportunity to prevent the transmission of HTLV-1 and end the diseases caused by these infections,” Purcell said.

“Our research findings are a major leap forward in this.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chris Robertson has been identified as the 49-year-old found dead at a workshop on O'Sullivan's Beach Road in Lonsdale, an industrial suburb in Adelaide, yesterday.

Father Discovered Deceased in Workshop Due to ‘Deliberate Assault’

A father of two, whose body was discovered at an Adelaide workshop,…
Fashion magazine Elle UK has been slammed for supposedly 'snubbing' Blackpink star Rosé

Top Fashion Magazine Criticized for Overlooking Blackpink Member Amid Paris Fashion Week Drama Involving Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, and Charli XCX

Fashion magazine Elle UK has been slammed for apparently ‘snubbing’ Blackpink star Rosé.…
Israeli military intercept and board several aid ships bound for Gaza, including Greta Thunberg's

Israeli Military Intercepts and Boards Multiple Gaza-Bound Aid Ships, Including One with Greta Thunberg

At least six Australians have been involved in the interception by Israel…
ADF to join search for missing boy Gus in remote SA

Australian Defence Force Aids in Search Effort for Missing Boy Gus in Remote South Australia

The military will join the desperate search for a young boy missing…
A group of Western Australian sea kayakers have come face-to-face with a five metre great white shark for the second time in four days.

“Surprise, Again: WA Kayakers Escape Close Call with Massive Great White Shark”

A group of Western Australian sea kayakers has come face-to-face with a…
Chimp expert, legendary activist Jane Goodall dies aged 91

Renowned Chimpanzee Researcher and Activist Jane Goodall Passes Away at 91

Jane Goodall, famed for her innovative research on chimpanzees and her widespread…

Unexpected Twist: Lunch Prep Takes a Surprising Turn as I Start Feeling Ill

Insight speaks with tech enthusiasts and abstainers, and those experiencing tech addictions…

“Lost in the Outback: Search Efforts Dwindle for Missing Boy”

The likelihood of finding a little boy lost in the outback is…
Anthony Albanese and James Marape sign a defence communique.

“Australia Makes Historic Move in 70 Years, Delivers Significant Setback to China”

Australia and Papua New Guinea are on the brink of forming a…
Johnny Gray

Beloved Washington Car Fanatic Tragically Dies in Terrible Accident

A WA grandfather is being remembered after the popular personality and car…

Renowned Scientist and Conservationist Jane Goodall Passes Away at 91

Key Points Goodall revolutionized wildlife research, sparking public interest in her cherished…

“Controversy Ignites Over the Lost Dogs Home’s Decision to Euthanize Puppies”

Victoria’s Lost Dogs Home has stood by its decision to euthanise a…