Researchers: HIV may be stopped from turning into AIDS

[jay gw]

LONDON: A single change in a human gene may hold the key to preventing people living with HIV from progressing to full-blown AIDS, researchers said on Monday.

They found a crucial difference between a gene in humans and one in rhesus monkeys that blocks infection of the virus in the animals - a finding that offers new insights into the origins of AIDS and gene therapy.

Had the gene been the same in humans, scientists at the National Institute of Medical Research in London believe, there may not have been the AIDS epidemic that now affects 40 million people world wide.

"If it had recognized HIV, we probably would never have had AIDS. I believe it is a key change," said Dr Jonathan Stoye, head of virology at the institute. Scientists had been aware that it was much more difficult to infect monkey cells with HIV than human cells in laboratory experiments, which suggested there was something different in the animal cells that blocked infection.

http://www.dawn.com/2005/01/11/int16.htm

[apoger]

And the point you are trying to make is?

[jambo372]

I read a report on an asymptomatic HIV positive baby who cleared the infection completely on his own. He tested positive twice for HIV but his third test came back negative.
I also read that it has been found that prostitutes working in african brothels had became immune to it via repeated exposure.
Would it be possible to develop a vaccine for aids from this ?

[apoger]

also read that it has been found that prostitutes working in african brothels had became immune to it via repeated exposure.
Would it be possible to develop a vaccine for aids from this ?

If true yes.
But I most sincerely doubt that this is true.

[LostAngeles]

Originally posted by jambo372
I read a report on an asymptomatic HIV positive baby who cleared the infection completely on his own. He tested positive twice for HIV but his third test came back negative.
I also read that it has been found that prostitutes working in african brothels had became immune to it via repeated exposure.
Would it be possible to develop a vaccine for aids from this ?

The bit about the prositiutes is no longer necessarily true. If I'm not mistaken there were eight that they were watching closely. I believe by this past November, all had contracted HIV and had AIDS.

[Jas]

Originally posted by jambo372
I read a report on an asymptomatic HIV positive baby who cleared the infection completely on his own. He tested positive twice for HIV but his third test came back negative.


IIRC correctly, babies born to HIV+ mothers will often test positive for the virus, as they will have developed the antibodies, though they actually don't carry the virus itself. Usually they will test negative later in life though.