SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is prone to mutations and the generation of genetic variants. Since its first outbreak in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has continually evolved, resulting in the emergence of several lineages and variants of concern (VOC) that have gained more efficient transmission, severity, and immune evasion properties. The World Health Organization has given these variants names according to the letters of the Greek Alphabet, starting with the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant, which emerged in 2020, followed by the Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants. This review explores the genetic variation among different VOCs of SARS-CoV-2 and how the emergence of variants made a global impact on the pandemic.

Antiretrovirals (ARVs) reduce Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) loads to undetectable levels in infected patients. However, HIV can persist throughout the body in cellular reservoirs partly due to the inability of some ARVs to cross anatomical barriers and the capacity of HIV-1 to establish latent infection in resting CD4⁺ T cells and monocytes/macrophages. A cure for HIV is not likely unless latency is addressed and delivery of ARVs to cellular reservoir sites is improved. Nanomedicine has been used in ARV formulations to improve delivery and efficacy. More specifically, researchers are exploring the benefit of using nanoparticles to improve ARVs and nanomedicine in HIV eradication strategies such as shock and kill, block and lock, and others. This review will focus on mechanisms of HIV-1 latency and nanomedicine-based approaches to treat HIV.

Background: The Miami-CFAR Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pathway Initiative (Miami CDEIPI) is designed to promote a diverse scientific workforce that reflects the communities at the highest risk of HIV in South Florida. Setting and Methods: The focus of the Miami CDEIPI is to help train the next generation of Underrepresented Minorities (URM) and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in HIV/AIDS-related research through a team science experience. The Miami CDEIPI objectives are to facilitate the interaction of URM/BIPOC students with the network of CFAR-affiliated investigators and to enable these students to access the cutting-edge technologies at the Miami-CFAR and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and other resources at the University of Miami. Results: Five URM/BIPOC students supported by the program in year 1 have been carrying out projects in collaboration with mentors at their parent institution and Miami-CFAR investigators. The students used the state-of-the-art laboratories and core facilities. They began their research with a proposal designed to integrate the cutting-edge technologies now available to them. Their training included participation in Miami-CFAR–sponsored activities such as seminars, an annual conference, and a national HIV workshop. Candidates in the Miami CDEIPI are in the process of developing their research proposals, integrating cutting-edge technologies into their doctoral dissertation research. Their projects are now in the completion phase. Conclusions: The Miami CDEIPI focuses its resources on one of the conspicuous gaps in the career paths of URM/BIPOC researchers—the dearth of leading URM/BIPOC scientists in the field. The Miami CDEIPI provides a professional network that supports the participation of URM/BIPOC trainees in innovative research and career skill training.