Genetic HIV Process is Determined

U.S. medical scientists have discovered how the human immunodeficiency virus evolves into a more deadly form that heralds the onset of full-blown AIDS.

University of Florida researchers said their findings could pave the way for new therapeutic agents that target the HIV virus before it develops into AIDS.

We were very interested in understanding how the virus mutates from the beginning of the infection until the end, said Assistant Professor of pathology immunology Marco Salemi, lead author of the study.

Previously, the only thing known was that somehow the HIV population mutates, he said. And as soon as that happens, patients start developing AIDS. But no one knew how and where the population evolved over time.

Earlier studies relied on cell culture or animal models to follow the virus’ mutations over time. The University of Florida researchers said they are among the first to study the progression of HIV in human patients.

The research was presented in the online journal PLoS One.