Potential Breakthrough On AIDS Vaccine

The LA Times reports that researchers have discovered antibodies that prevent the HIV virus from multiplying.

A team based at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla reports today in the journal Science that they have isolated two so-called broadly neutralizing antibodies that can block the action of many strains of HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS.

Crucial to the discovery is the fact that the antibodies target a portion of HIV that researchers had not considered in their search for a vaccine. Moreover, the target is a relatively stable portion of the virus that does not participate in the extensive mutations that have made HIV able to escape from antiviral drugs and previous experimental vaccines.

Essentially what we’re talking about are PG9 and PG16, two antibodies found to block replication in nearly 75% of the 162 HIV strains that were tested. The way they go about it is by binding to proteins on the virus so they can’t infect cells and start the process all over again.

But yes, this is not a magic “cure all” bullet, but extremely promising nonetheless. Because a viable vaccine could come from this and could extend a lot of lives and relieve a lot of suffering.

Here’s the question: Will we have a cure for HIV/AIDS in our lifetime?

(Photo: Reuters via Daylife)