Gene Research May Help Control HIV Virus

Researchers from North Carolina’s Duke University discovered a series of genetic variations that could help HIV-infected people avoid developing AIDS.

The study, which was led by scientists at Duke’s Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology, used Human Genome Project research to find specific variations in a trio of genes that offer hope for a better understanding of how to control the HIV virus, the San Francisco Chronicle said Friday.

By focusing on the individual stability of the virus within a patient’s bloodstream, the researchers were able to discover two genes that appeared to help control the virus.

Through analyzing the genetic makeup of 486 patients in relation to virus control, the scientific team came up with the HLA-B*5701 and HLA-C genes.

The team, that also included several other scientists worldwide, found that each gene was able to control the HIV virus in its own unique way.

A third gene, ZNRD1, was recognized by the group for its apparent ability to limit HIV replication, the Chronicle reported.