The HIV drugs tenofovir and dolutegravir effectively suppress transmission of the little-known HTLV-1 virus that can cause blood cancer. This was shown by a study published in the journal Cell.

The experiment used “humanized” mice whose immune system was borrowed from human cells. After a course of treatment with the two drugs, the virus practically stopped activity inside T-cells. 

According to the scientists, HTLV-1 can be considered a “relative” of HIV because it affects the same cells of the immune system. The virus can remain in the body for many years, gradually provoking severe consequences, including T-cell leukemia (a type of blood cancer) and chronic inflammation of the spinal cord.

It is noted that until now, there has been no vaccine or effective therapy to slow or stop the progression of HTLV-1 

In the course of work, the researchers also tested a new approach: a combination of antiviral drugs with blockers of MCL-1 protein, responsible for the survival of infected cells. This combination allowed selective destruction of infected cells without affecting healthy cells. 

“This gives hope not only for the prevention of HTLV-1, but also for the possible cure of already infected patients,” the study authors concluded.