Washington Post Examines How Interaction of Human Enzyme, HIV Protein Could Help in Preventing AIDS
The Washington Post on Monday examined how the recent discovery that an HIV protein enables the virus to overcome the human body's natural defenses against HIV could play a role in drug development to prevent AIDS (Brown, Washington Post, 3/8). Specifically, the protein -- called Virion infectivity factor, or Vif -- inhibits the human enzyme APOBEC3G, which in viruses similar to HIV interferes with the genetic components that the viruses use to replicate once inside a cell (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 7/22/03). The discovery has "shed new light on the shadowy work of innate immunity" and has "offered a new, previously unrecognized target where [HIV] might be attacked by a drug of the future," the Post reports (Washington Post, 3/8). The complete article is available online.
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.