US researchers have stumbled upon a major breakthrough in the fight against HIV. Two antibodies have been discovered that neutralize 90 percent of all HIV strains. The antibodies known as VRC01 and VRC02 can prevent the deadly HIV from infecting human cells. This information may help researchers create the first vaccine designed to prevent HIV infection.
Dr. Gary Nabel of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
led the study. The team of virologists responsible for this remarkable discovery found the antibodies in the blood of people already infected with HIV. Scientists study the blood of people who have the virus but do not show any outward signs of it. They recognize that few people have a unique immune system that is somehow preventing or slowing the constantly multiplying and changing HIV strain. This constant mutation is one of the major reasons scientists have been unable to find a cure for the virus.
They used a molecular removal device that they created to isolate the specific antibodies in the blood. They studied those two particular antibodies to try and determine how they were successful at attaching themselves to the virus and neutralizing it. This new discovery may prove useful in creating vaccines against other infectious diseases as well. Nabel states the team has a lot of work ahead of them but this groundbreaking step has added new hope to the millions living with HIV. More than 25 million people have died from HIV and another 33 million people are currently infected.
The study has been published in the journal Science.
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