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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : May 2, 2014 3:19 PM IST
A type of protein found in coral species in the ocean waters around Australia prevents the HIV virus, which causes AIDS, from penetrating the cells of the body's immune system, a new study says. The research, headed by the National Cancer Institute's Barry O'Keefe, was presented at the annual Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego. (Read: 12 diseases that affect people with HIV/AIDS)
The proteins, called 'cnidarins', are found in coral collected from the waters along the northern Australian coast, and researchers are focusing on them after examining thousands of natural extracts in the biological archives of the National Cancer Institute. 'The fact that this protein appears to block HIV infection - and to do it in a completely new way - makes this truly exciting,' O'Keefe said. (Read: Coming soon an effective HIV vaccine?)
The discovery opens the possibility of adapting cnidarins for use in sexual gels or lubricants to provide a barrier against HIV infection. The cnidarins bind with the virus and prevent it from fusing with the membranes of T-cells - the first step in HIV transmission - and because this is very different from what other proteins do, scientists believe that the cnidarins have a unique mechanism of action. The next step in the study is to improve the methods for producing cnidarin proteins in large quantities so they can be used to identify possible side effects and how they influence other types of viruses. (Read: Marijuana could actually cure HIV)
What is HIV?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that destroys or impairs the function of the body's immune system making the person more susceptible to infections. Unless treated, it develops into full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues lining the vagina, anal area, mouth and eyes, or through a break in the skin. There are two main types HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-2 is typically found in Africa and parts of Asia. HIV-2 is typically found in Africa and parts of Asia. Asia can thus no longer be considered free of HIV-2, and testing for HIV-2 appears mandatory, at least in India. Worldwide, when people refer to HIV they are usually referring to HIV-1.
What is AIDS?
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) isn't a disease in itself. It is a condition in caused by HIV in which the body's immune system fails to battle foreign microorganisms. This leads to various opportunistic infections and/or certain cancers. It is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. (Read: HIV/AIDS Causes, Symptoms, Tests, Treatment & More)
With inputs from IANS
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