Genetically Engineered Cells Search Out AIDS Virus
Posted on: Monday, 10 November 2008, 08:35 CST
Researchers reported genetically engineered immune cells find the AIDS virus even when it tries to disguise itself.
It offers a new way to treat the incurable infection.
The killer T-cells, referred to as "assassin" cells, were able to recognize other cells infected by HIV and slow the spread of the virus in lab dishes.
The AIDS virus infects 33 million people globally. It is especially hard to fight because it hijacks cells in its victims, forcing them to become little viral factories.
If the study’s findings translate to people, it could allow a new way of treating infection with the deadly human immunodeficiency virus.
"Billions of these anti-HIV warriors can be generated in two weeks," said Angel Varela-Rohena of the University of Pennsylvania, who helped lead the study.
In an unrelated report, researchers who tested Dutch biotechnology firm Crucell NV's experimental AIDS vaccine said it prevented infection in six monkeys.
The animals were infected with a monkey version of HIV called SIV, and the vaccine used a virus that is dangerous for humans.
In the journal Nature Medicine, Dr. Dan Barouch of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston, said it shows there is growing hope for developing a vaccine against AIDS.
HIV attacks immune system cells called CD4 T cells, which help mount a defense. It can also disguise itself to escape CD8 killer cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes or CTLs.
"CTLs are crucial for the control of HIV infection. Unfortunately, HIV has an arsenal of mutational and non-mutational strategies that aid it in escaping from the CTL response mounted against it by its host," the researchers wrote in their report.
One defense allows HIV to hide a protein called HLA-I-associated antigen.
Varela-Rohena took T-cells from an HIV patient and created a genetically engineered version that recognizes this deception.
"It is possible to improve on nature when it comes to preventing HIV CTL escape," they wrote.
"In the face of our engineered assassin cells, the virus will either die or be forced to change its disguises again, weakening itself along the way," said Andy Sewell of Britain's Cardiff University.
Researchers plan to test the T-cell treatment in HIV patients next year.
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Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports
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