by Emily Chen
People Editor
HIV: human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. HIV and AIDS continue to spread around the world. However, ongoing research has discovered a reason for optimism. Scientists have recently found a molecule that could help prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.
After the HIV virus enters the human body, it struggles to attach itself to white blood cells before it starts to replicate. However, this moment of vulnerability is counteracted by SEMI, the naturally occurring protein in seminal fluid, also known as semen derived enhancer of virus infection. When the protein and HIV come in contact, SEVI promotes HIV virons’ attachment to target cells. With the aid of the enhancer, HIV has a 100,000 times greater chance of infection.
American researchers, directed by Warner Greene of the Gladstone Institute of virology and immunology in San Francisco, conducted studies and uncovered a SEVI inhibitor called surfen. Although studies still need to be done to further the understanding of the molecule, researchers hypothesize that surfen prevents the interaction between the positive charge of SEVI and negatively charged groups on the surface of cells by binding itself to the targeted cells and virus.
The discovery of surfen can consequently enhance the effectiveness of the topical medication applied before sexual intercourse. Greene explained, “ I think the concept of using agents that target not only the virus but the host factor propelling the virus infection – I think that combination might produce therapeutic synergy that could be quite effective.”
An advanced medication with surfen could prove to be integral in the fight against HIV and AIDS during a time when evidence that strains of drug-resistant HIV will develop in the coming years has emerged. Scientists created a model that traced the transmission of certain HIV strains, which concluded that the drug-resistant strains in San Francisco transmit easier between people.
As data on evolving HIV strains continues to be found, the importance of developing enhanced ways to battle the virus increases. Thus, the uncovering of surfen provides the needed optimism.
(Sources: voanews.com, medicinenet.com, medindia.net)