Virus HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is still difficult to shut down. The current findings present, the protein in the semen of men it could increase the ability of the HIV virus to infect white blood cells.In a study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, Gladstone Institute researcher identifies a set of proteins that increase HIV infection.
It turned out that HIV transmission associated with the presence of fibrous protein (amyloid fibrils) in semen. This fibrous protein that helps HIV infections by encouraging the virus to find and attack the target, namely the white blood cells.
Positively charged fibrous protein in the semen of HIV binds to the negatively charged and helped infect white blood cells. This fibrous protein of HIV attract like a magnet.
"Our experiments show that the fibrils originate from semenogelins, the main component of semen, and can increase the infection of HIV in semen. But we are interested in its natural function. In fact, fibrils that are found in the male reproductive organs may show evolution's role in helping conception , something that is being explored, "said researcher Dr. Nadia Roan as reported scienceagogo.com, Saturday (17/12/2011).
These findings could pave the way for scientists to create a much stronger material such chemical gel that blocks HIV infection. While the existing barrier materials have failed due to only target the virus itself, but does not prevent the virus interacts with the natural infection, reinforced by the components of semen.
"Now we better understand how HIV hijacks these components to enhance infection. We're one step closer to developing more effective drugs that can stop HIV," said Roan.
0 comments:
Post a Comment