Scientists have just recently discovered and isolated two genes which may prevent people from contracting HIV and possibly slow the rate at which they develop AIDS. The genes were isolated by comparing the genetic profiles of people in their first year of HIV infection with those who managed to resist infection despite repeated exposure to the virus.
Structure of HIV
The “good” versions of the two genes were present in 12.2 percent of those who resisted infection compared with only 2.7 of patients who have the primary HIV infection. Unfortunately, scientists still do not know how the genes can help resist contracting HIV, but they hope to soon find out.
Scientists do know that one of the genes codes for a receptor on the surface of the immune system’s plasma cells, which destroy infected cells in the body. Since this can happen very soon after the initial infection, people carrying those genes may be able to more efficiently destroy infected cells and lower their chances of developing AIDS.
“More research is needed to determine the exact mechanism behind the protection we have observed, but these findings have revealed a promising avenue,” said co-author Nicole Bernard of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.
