Researchers Find Way to Fight HIVMonday, February 20, 2017
NEW YORK, Dec. 26 -- A recent study has revealed that blocking a protein that is responsible for prepping the body for immune defenses against viral infections may potentially help fight HIV. For the study, researchers from David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles used humanized mice models. However, it was noted that the immune systems of the mice were replaced with human immune system cells, thymus tissue and bone marrow. The findings of the study revealed that blocking a type of protein, called Type-I interferon, temporarily may potentially repair immune function and boost up the process of viral blockage while undergoing treatment with anti-viral drugs for people with persistent infection of the virus that causes AIDS. However, a combination treatment with antiretroviral therapy was found to be efficient in blocking HIV activity. It was also noted that the immune systems of the mice produced adequate amounts of CD8 T cells that were prepared to block and destroy HIV-infected cells. The study appeared in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.