Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Scientists testing 'designer anti-bodies' to rid body of AIDS virus

One reason HIV has never been eliminated from anyone despite the number of anti-HIV drugs extending the lives of millions is that the virus can integrate its DNA into the chromosomes of white blood cells.  This helps it escape the notice of the body's immune system.

Two separate research groups have designed artificial versions of anti-bodies, molecules produced by the immune system to target pathogens.  With natural anti-bodies in 'Y' shapes, both arms of the 'Y' grab onto the same target, but the arms of the designer version clasp onto unique proteins.  One grabs onto an HIV protein and the other onto a CD3, a receptor on the white blood cell surface.

HIV hides its DNA inside white blood cells that have CD3 receptors.  A killer T cell, which destroys HIV-infected cells, is a second type of "CD3-studded lymphocyte".

The first bispecific antibody, bound to a cell harboring latent HIV, prompts the cell to divide.  This process brings new HIV proteins to the surface.  Then the second bispecific antibody clasps a killer T cell and brings it near the cell with HIV proteins on the surface.

"Come into my parlor," said the spider to the fly.

Tests are still in the laboratory phase but researchers hope to start tests on HIV-infected people in a year or so.

http://news.sciencemag.org/biology/2015/10/designer-antibodies-may-rid-body-aids-virus

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