A New Frontier in Viral Mechanisms with Implications for Research, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Recent findings from researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine have uncovered a striking new mechanism by which HIV-1 manipulates host immunity. This discovery, published in npj Viruses, reveals that the virus produces its own circular RNAs (circRNAs) — a phenomenon previously seen mainly in larger DNA viruses like herpesviruses — to aid in evading immune surveillance and enhancing viral replication.

The Role of Circular RNAs in HIV-1

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a form of RNA characterized by their covalently closed loop structure, which renders them highly stable compared to linear RNAs. In host biology, circRNAs play regulatory roles, including sponging microRNAs (miRNAs), thereby modulating gene expression.

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University explained,
“Circular RNAs, due to their high stability and ability to modulate gene expression, represent a previously unrecognized strategy by which HIV-1 can subvert the host's immune system and promote its own replication.”

In this new study, researchers identified at least 15 unique HIV-1-derived circRNAs, with Circ23 being one of the most prominent. These circRNAs function by sequestering specific host miRNAs, particularly miR-6724-3p and miR-4707-3p, which ordinarily help control viral gene expression and limit replication. By suppressing these miRNAs, HIV-1 gains a replication advantage and avoids key antiviral responses.

Implications for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

For molecular biologists and virologists, this represents a paradigm shift in understanding HIV-1's ability to persist and adapt in the host. These findings also prompt further questions:

• Could viral circRNAs be used as biomarkers for disease progression or viral latency?
• Is there potential to target viral circRNAs therapeutically to enhance antiretroviral therapy?
• How might this discovery influence next-generation molecular diagnostics?

From a translational perspective, this mechanism offers a novel target for therapeutic intervention and deepens our understanding of HIV’s sophisticated strategies to remain latent and avoid detection — a major obstacle in the search for a cure.

Considerations for Lab Managers and QC Professionals

This discovery highlights the importance of cutting-edge RNA analysis tools, robust next-generation sequencing workflows, and high-fidelity reagents for RNA isolation, detection, and quantification. Laboratories working on virology, transcriptomics, and RNA-based therapeutics should consider:

• Ensuring circRNA-specific assays are integrated into their pipelines.
• Using miRNA profiling kits capable of detecting subtle shifts in host-virus interactions.
• Validating reagents and tools in line with GMP or ISO standards, especially in regulated environments like molecular diagnostics and IVF centers.

ProLab: Supporting Breakthroughs in Molecular Research

At ProLab, we are committed to empowering researchers, lab managers, and clinical professionals with reliable, high-performance tools and reagents that meet the demands of advanced molecular and biotechnology workflows. From nucleic acid purification to RNA-based assay development, we support those at the forefront of scientific discovery and clinical innovation.

Source:
Florida Atlantic University. "'Loop'hole: HIV-1 hijacks human immune cells using circular RNAs." ScienceDaily, 13 May 2025. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112146.htm