Cell injections suppress HIV.Targeting HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. in hard-to-reach lymph nodes Lymph nodes Small, bean-shaped masses of tissue scattered along the lymphatic system that act as filters and immune monitors, removing fluids, bacteria, or cancer cells that travel through the lymph system. , researchers for the first time have curbed the AIDS virus AIDS virus n. See HIV. by injecting patients with cells made from their own natural defense systems. The research published in the January issue of Nature Medicine could lead to new ways of attacking HIV in parts of the body where it has eluded standard drug treatment. HIV propagates by attacking a kind of immune cell known as a helper T-cell. The researchers chose three patients and isolated from their bodies another type of white blood cell, the killer T-cell, which destroys HIV. By cloning cloning: see clone. To make a product that functions like another. See clone. See also cloning software. and other means, they grew huge numbers of each patient's killer T-cells and engineered some with markers to trace their movement within the body. They then reinjected massive amounts back into each patient. There, the new killer T-cells knocked down the number of infected in·fect tr.v. in·fect·ed, in·fect·ing, in·fects 1. To contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent. 2. To communicate a pathogen or disease to. 3. To invade and produce infection in. cells, in some cases to undetectable levels. Although the effect was temporary, lasting about three weeks, scientists call the research an exciting early step toward eradicating HIV "where it hides." |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion