A team of researchers—led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—has discovered a new human receptor for HIV, which may help pave the way to new treatment options, The New York Times reports (nytimes.com, 2/11).
The study, published February 10 in the online journal Nature Immunology, found that a receptor that usually guides immune cells to the gut also directs HIV there, allowing it to replicate in the intestines before spreading to the body’s lymph tissue.
Dr. Fauci told the Times that trials may be underway in the next year for new drugs that would block this receptor—integrin alpha-4 beta-7—including the drug Tysabri (natalizumab), which is currently being marketed as treatment for multiple sclerosis. Upcoming human and animal trials would determine this and other drugs’ efficacy in combating HIV.
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Dawn M., Simi Valley, CA, 2008-02-13 01:25:37
How can one get on the list to be part of the study? I would love to be one of the women in the study if at all possible. Does anyone out there have any ideas?
Bonnie McDonald, Washington, 2008-02-12 10:58:45
Kudos to all of the researchers working so diligently to find a cure for this disease. It's coming soon don't get discouraged!!
"I'm HIV positive and diabetic (as well as have high cholesterol) and some of my meds specify taking them with 'high fat foods' which I have to do twice a day. I've eaten as healthy as possible, but when it comes to high fat foods, I am in a quandary...about what to eat sometimes..."
