Researchers develop enzymes to block the reactivation of HIV In a breakthrough study, researchers have developed artificial enzymes to block the reactivation and replication of the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) in the immune cells. Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is a virus that hinders the body’s ability to combat foreign pathogens weakening the system. According to the data by WHO, approximately 38 million people have been infected with the disease. One of the reasons behind the surge is that there is no cure for HIV so far. But current antiretroviral treatments available prevent the progression of HIV and allow infected people to live longer. Also, studies have suggested that HIV-1 can dodge the immune system by hiding in the immune cells. To block the reactivation of HIV, scientists have developed an artificial enzyme.