March 3, 2008

Gene Shown to Halt HIV Replication

Researchers at the University of Alberta have shed light on a gene that may be used to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS to uninfected cells, the Edmonton Sun reports (edmuntonsun.com, 2/28).

According to the article, the gene in question is called TRIM22. Researcher Stephen Barr began his work on the HIV-stopping gene at the University of Pennsylvania. Barr continued his research in Alberta, Canada and found TRIM22 may be useful in future vaccine or cure development.

“This gene works particularly at preventing the virus from getting out of cells. So it can’t stop the virus from getting in [to the cell], but it can lock it in so it can’t get out,” Barr told the Sun. “If it can’t get out of the cell, the spread of HIV is stopped in its tracks.”

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Previous Comments:

algond, UK, 2008-03-29 05:34:43
What these finding actually and the impact that they might have on OUR lives is uncertain, what can be taken from this however is the importance to continue to raise funding so that research of this kind is able to carry on, there is no call for tirades and rants, but only support for those working in HIV/AIDS research.

Jose Villarreal, Del Rio, 2008-03-25 18:17:51
Well, again. They got it, what are they waiting for to start working on the cure and the vaccine??.. Ahhhh... I forgot the FDA, and international power interests, together with the greed of the Pharmaceutical Maffia. They are going to block any attempt. Together with the PRO-LIFE movement, the Vatican and other powerful international criminal organizations.

queenofhearts, PSCA, 2008-03-14 10:12:38
There are other gene therapies also being used at this time, gentic therparies are another way or option to stopping the virus from spreading to other cells. A vaccine in Thailand looks promising of all.

Eddie DeLima, Tampa, 2008-03-12 12:28:51
I am very intrigued by this article, it shows THAT the monies raised AND donated are IN FACT being used for the world and this cause!, I hope to read more of this finding!....thank you for the information!!

KENNETH, METAIRIE, 2008-03-09 00:55:07
WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS....

vicki, eustis, 2008-03-08 02:07:13
I do hope this is good news and will be helpful we need a break, i want to see my grand children grow up, 20 yrs poz and now is the time to outsmart this virus.

Michael S, OKC OK, 2008-03-07 20:09:07
Have been POZ since 1985 (guess that is 23 years now if I can still do the math). Been thru hell - this news has given me renewed hope that maybe we are a step closer. If we can halt infecting "good cells," then that is news to celebrate. If only we could get rid of the cells that are damaged and infected. Am open to any clinical trials that may come about because of this.

Dave, , 2008-03-05 12:37:38
this is EXACTLY what i meant after readings Earl's message..No one is rushing or even thinking how fast we need this..it will be at least 20 years before we see anything happens unless we push for it to happen faster!

Earl Curtis, Pinole CA, 2008-03-05 02:50:10
Friends, this is new information. Please don't get too excited...there will be media hype exceeding facts. This is reason to be hopeful, but not reason to think the cure is here or even that we know all about this HIV stopper gene. We have been given only a summary of the findings. And there is no doubt much to learn. Keep dreaming, keep hoping, and keep practicing safer sex, monogamy, or no sex at all.

Darus Md Saleh, Singapore, 2008-03-05 01:11:30
This finding give us a good news and hope.

Leon Anderson, Los Angeles, 2008-03-04 17:57:42
So, I gather that because the virus in the general environment of the blood is killed continuously over time with medicine and those cells infected can no longer infect other cells that the virus can eventually be eliminated. Cure or more manageable chronic condition?

April, Staten Island, 2008-03-04 17:44:05
I still want to look good

Simon Cooper, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, 2008-03-04 15:54:04
This is why we read POZ. To hear of potential cures like this gene. Please keep us posted. It would be interesting to read about all the different routes a potential cure has to take to finally gain acceptance and be licensed. Have you ever run a story like that? Keep up the positive POZ reporting. Thank you! Simon C.

S. Adams, springfield, 2008-03-04 14:53:20
I've been positive since I was 21 years old (now 45). This sounds great. Would be more than willing to help with clinical trials and the likes.

David, San Diego, 2008-03-04 12:48:58
I find the story interesting, exciting and hopeful. We may not be able to stop the HIV from multiplying but if we can stop it from leaving infected cells to infect non-infected cells then we've come along way to hopefully eradicatig this disease.