Latest News:  

English>>Life & Culture

Australian scientists discover potential cure for AIDS

(Xinhua)

10:49, January 18, 2013

CANBERRA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A breakthrough that could lead to a potential cure for AIDS has been developed by Australian scientists, a latest study from Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) revealed on Wednesday.

According to a statement from QIMR, Associate Professor David Harrich, from QIMR's Molecular Virology Laboratory, has determined how to modify a protein in the virus, so that it instead provides strong, lasting protection from infection.

Although this approach, published in the journal Human Gene Therapy, was not a cure for HIV, Harrich said it would ensure the virus remains dormant. This protein present in immune cells would help to maintain a healthy immune system so patients can handle normal infections.

"I consider that this is fighting fire with fire," he said. " What we've actually done is we've taken a normal virus protein that the virus needs to grow, and we've changed this protein, so that instead of assisting the virus, it actually impedes virus replication and does it quite strongly."

"This therapy is potentially a cure for AIDS," he said. "So it' s not a cure for HIV infection, but it potentially could end the disease."

More than 30,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV in Australia. Harrich said animal trials are due to start this year and early indications are positive. If clinical trials are successful, one treatment could be effective enough to replace the multiple therapies they currently need.

He also said the new treatment has the potential to make big improvements in the quality of life for those carrying HIV.

"Drug therapy targets individual enzymes or proteins and they have one drug, one protein," Associate Professor Harrich said. " They have to take two or three drugs, so this would be a single agent that essentially has the same effect."

We recommend:

Top 10 most dangerous structures in the world

Bikini show at an elevation of 3,600 m

Come! Top 10 ski resorts in China

Mask fashion in those hazy days

Top 10 happiest cities in China of 2012

Charming figures display Chinese style bikinis

What you should know about food packaging

Aesthetic silhouette in TV series

Complete methods of making Chinese dumplings

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:叶欣、陈丽丹)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. WZ-8 armed helicopters in training

  2. UN's equipment verification

  3. Mumbai in lens

  4. Lanterns fly from low to high

  5. Photos: Chinese Style in 2012

  6. They made 2012 warm and beautiful

  7. Miss Chinese Africa beauty contest

  8. Scenery of Wuyuan at dawn after rainfall

  9. Most transparent multinationals

  10. Cute animals enjoy thier toys

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. What election means to Israel
  2. Beijing economy expected to grow
  3. London's Great Smog has lessons for Beijing
  4. Top 10 news items for Chinese firms in 2012
  5. Inflation rise 'on the horizon'
  6. Software gives travelers advantage
  7. Will Rahul Gandhi secure a 3rd term in power
  8. U.S. sends wrong signal over Diaoyu Islands issue
  9. Labor shortage hits cities as holiday nears
  10. Reaching out to sympathetic Japanese

What’s happening in China

Sanitation worker, environmental protector in city

  1. Beijing population tops 20.69 mln
  2. Evidence may clear inmates jailed 16 years
  3. 'One day, wolves may attack humans'
  4. Drivers buy license plate before the car
  5. Workers assured of wages ahead of festival