Although there is still much
work to do before human trials can even be considered, a scientist from
Australia’s Queensland Institute of Medical Research has created a protein that
reportedly keeps HIV from progressing into AIDS. Perhaps ironically, that protein
is a mutated form of one found in the HIV virus itself.
Associate Professor David
Harrich led a team that modified the existing HIV-1 Tat protein into a protein
known as “Nullbasic.” In lab tests, he says, it’s successfully kept the HIV
virus from replicating. That means that if it were to work in humans,
they would still have HIV, but they wouldn’t develop AIDS. They also wouldn’t
be required to take HIV-suppressing drugs indefinitely, as they presently do.
Animal trials are planned to
begin later this year.
“This is like fighting fire
with fire,” said Harrich. “If this research continues down its strong path, and
bear in mind there are a many hurdles to clear, we’re looking at a cure for
AIDS.”
A paper on the research was
recently published in the journal Human Gene
Therapy, and can be accessed free of charge online.
Courtesy of: http://medxforum.com/vb/showthread.php?899-Fighting-HIV-With-HIV-Could-mean-a-cure-for-AIDS
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