Discovery of 'super antibody' that destroys HIV virus

Recently, a group of scientists have researched a new natural therapy that can fight the HIV virus.

The discovery, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, identifies a protein called ERManI that blocks the replication and spread of HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.

“In previous studies, we knew that we could find a therapy that blocked the spread of HIV-1, but we couldn't identify the mechanism by which it blocked this spread,” said Yong-Hui Zheng, professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at Michigan State University, along with other study participants.

Now, researchers have discovered that ERManI will be the key and has the potential to be used as a natural antiviral therapy.

Unlike vaccines, antivirals will ensure that viruses remain harmless with low levels of ERManI. According to Professor Zheng, scientists are planning to conduct trials to find out whether HIV resistance can be stimulated by increasing ERManI levels.

Most viruses have a protective envelope with a viral glycoprotein layer on the surface, called Env, which guides the virus to bind to regions that allow the infection to spread at the molecular level. Scientists from Professor Zheng's lab have shown that the synthesis of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein can be inhibited by the ERManI protein, slowing the spread of the virus.

To date, no drug has been able to completely cure HIV-1 and those infected must take prescribed medication for the rest of their lives and suffer unpleasant side effects. However, ERManI antiretroviral therapy can significantly extend life expectancy.

According to Zing.vn