
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideo
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
Don’t miss our latest news! Sign up today for our free newsletter.
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Two new studies unveil genetic links to the way the body responds to HIV, opening the door to potential new treatments or possibly an HIV vaccine, researchers say. Scientists at the Partners AIDS Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston identified several key human genes'HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C'that reside on the surface of immune system cells and instruct an immune system attack on other cells infected with HIV. A study of 375 HIV-positive South Africans found that how well a patient's immune system responded to HIV in the body depended on their version of the HLA-B genes. More protective versions of the gene led to better immune system control of the virus in the body. HIV-positive mothers with the protective version of the gene also were shown to be less likely to pass the virus along to their babies. 'These findings will help in understanding precisely how the immune system can success or fail against HIV, a prerequisite for a rational approach toward design of an HIV vaccine' says lead researcher Philip Goulder. Researchers in London reported in January having discovered that a single change in the human Trim 5 Alpha gene might block HIV replication in the body and prevent HIV-positive people from developing AIDS. The gene exists in both monkeys and humans, but a specific difference in a key protein on the gene enables the monkeys to control the simian version of HIV in their bodies. The researchers say genetic engineering that removes the human protein and inserts the simian version also could make human cells resistance to HIV infection. 'The discovery has significant implications for the development of an effective gene therapy to combat AIDS,' lead researcher Jonathan Stoye reports in the January 11 issue of the journal Current Biology. 'If you have HIV, this might be a form of therapy to prevent progression to AIDS.' More laboratory research, followed by animal tests and human trials, are planned.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Don’t miss our latest news! Sign up today for our free newsletter.
Plus: Featured Video