The National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded a $3.2 million grant to further study the antiviral effects of gp340, a protein found in saliva and other mucosal secretions, to prevent transmission of HIV, according to a New York University (NYU) statement. Demonstrated to inhibit HIV replication in the test tube, gp340 will be tested on mice to see if it protects them from infection. The researchers, led by Daniel Malamud, PhD, of the NYU College of Dentistry, and Min Lu, PhD, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, hope that the study will help develop new antiviral medications that combat HIV.

To read the NYU statement, click here.