Understanding the link between hepatitis C and HIV persistence

by UdeMnouvelles, University of Montreal

edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin

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Naglaa Shoukry and Petronela Ancuta, researchers in the Immunopathology Research Theme at the Centre de recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), are shedding new light on one of the greatest challenges in HIV research: understanding why the virus remains in the body despite treatment.

Their research, published in eBioMedicine, shows that hepatitis C may contribute to the formation of reservoirs in which HIV can remain hidden for long periods, making it impossible to completely eliminate the virus.

A long-lasting hiding place for HIV

Research conducted by Shoukry, Ancuta and their teams shows that, in people with hepatitis C infection, certain immune cells become more vulnerable to HIV infection. These cells produce higher levels of CCR5, a protein that HIV uses to enter cells. The higher the level of hepatitis C virus in the blood, the more susceptible these cells appear to be to HIV.

Even after hepatitis C has been cured and despite effective antiretroviral therapy, traces of HIV continue to persist in these cells. The findings suggest that these cells may play an important role in maintaining viral reservoirs, one of the main barriers to completely eliminating the virus.

This new study provides insight into how HIV reservoirs form and persist in the body. The findings pave the way for new strategies to better target these reservoirs.

By identifying the mechanisms that allow the virus to hide and survive over the long term, researchers are moving closer to a goal that has been pursued for decades—one day achieving a lasting cure for HIV.

Publication details

Samaa T. Gobran et al, HCV-specific CD4⁺ T-cells are susceptible to HIV-1 and contribute to viral persistence during antiretroviral therapy, eBioMedicine (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2026.106365

Journal information: EBioMedicine

Key medical concepts

Hepatitis CHIV InfectionsAntiretroviral Therapy

Clinical categories

Infectious diseasesHIV & AIDSAllergy and immunology Provided by University of Montreal Who's behind this story?

Lisa Lock

BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →

Andrew Zinin

Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →

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