HIV-resistance

Posted by Judy Arbique Nov 2, 2006

HIV infects immune system cells resulting in a decrease in the bodies ability to fend against disease. The HIV virus gains entry to immune cells by attaching to a chemokine receptor on the cell surface. An allele mutation has been identified that provides resistance against HIV-1 by blocking attachment to the chemokine receptor so that the virus cannot gain entry. The mutation has been found with a high frequency in European populations, but has not been found in African, Asian, Middle Eastern and American Indian populations.

Although there is scientific controversy over the reasons for the high frequency in European populations and the origin of the mutation, there is general agreement that the discovery has promise in the treatment of HIV. By interfering with the expression of the chemokine receptor necessary for HIV-1 cell attachment, scientists may be able to prevent the virus from invading new cells in those already infected.

Any ideas on how this mutation may have occurred? Start a discussion.