Thanks to the protein TRIM5, rhesus monkeys are resistant to HIV. The TRIM5 protein prevents the virus from multiplying once it has entered the cell. Scientists discovered the mechanism in the protein, which could help discover ways to fight HIV in humans. We have known about the TRIM5 protein for over six years but the mechanism that it uses to prevent HIV was still largely unknown.
The study showed that the TRIM5 immediatly triggers an immune response if infected with HIV. Humans also have a TRIM5 protein, but it is not as effective at fighting off HIV. But the discovery of this in certain monkeys has opened up new possibilities in fending of the HIV virus in Humans.
I think its really great that such a protein could be immune to a virus that so widely affects our population. Even if the protein of TRIM5 we have isn't as effective, the TRIM5 in monkeys may one day be able with treatment of those who have HIV.
This could be a huge breakthrough in the HIV and AIDS community. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) there is something like 40,000 new cases of HIV in the United States every year. That is just shy of 110 new cases each day, or 4 and half new cases every HOUR! I believe they call that an epidemic. That is just HIV. Those figures do not include the number of HIV cases that eventually turn into the AIDS virus.
ReplyDeleteIf there is a way that the mystery of this TRIM5 protein can be unlocked, it could be a huge win for the HIV community. If there is a way to harness the TRIM5 protein, the HIV virus could be stopped in its tracks before it multiplies and could save a person from a lifetime of antiretroviral medications. Also, it may help prevent a case of HIV from turning into full blown AIDS, which is essentially a death sentence. If there is a way to prevent this from happening, then by all means it should be well funded.
Anything that can help us learn more about HIV is great. I think this discovery, if not directly, but inderectly can help us figure out this awfull disease. I really like this article because it gives us hope in an area that is almost hopeless.
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