HIV targets the very immune cells meant to protect us. But science – and community – keep fighting back. This World AIDS Day, Dr Cat and Dr Jen Juno chat about how HIV infects CD4 T cells and can lead to AIDS, and how ART and PrEP have transformed lives, empowering HIV+ people to thrive, to build relationships, to have sex and families without fear, and to know they are not a risk to the people they love.

But there is still no cure for HIV. Dr Jen is an immunologist who explores the role of T cells in infectious diseases. She leads a research group at The University of Melbourne and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity. She is studying the lesser-known, unconventional or “hipster” T cells that could bring us closer to a cure.

While there’s still a long way to go in terms of ensuring access to treatment for all who need it, and working towards a cure, there’s a lot to T cell-ebrate in terms of how far we’ve come.

Originally aired 2nd December, 2025.

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