Why the Human Body Cannot Fight HIV Infection
Date: 16.7.2012
University of Washington researchers have made a discovery that sheds light on why the human body is unable to adequately fight off HIV infection.
The researchers discovered that the viral protein vpu, which is created by HIV during infection, directly interferes with the immune response protein IRF3 to dampen the ability of the immune system to protect against virus infection.
The new studies found that the HIV protein vpu specifically binds to the immune protein IRF3 and targets it for destruction, thereby, preventing IRF3 from functioning to trigger an immune response within the infected cell.
"This knowledge can be used to design new HIV antiviral therapeutics that prevent vpu from interacting with IRF3 and targeting it for destruction, thus enhancing immunity." Stated Dr. Gale.
