Today, I was thinking about something to share with all of you, and I came across this article "Genetic HIV Resistance Deciphered". According to the article, scientists and researchers are going back in history in hopes to find the reason why there were always 'lucky' people who never got infected with the virus, although they were exposed to it many times. Researchers believe this is due to resistance and virtual immunity to the disease.
Researchers discovered that this immunity has to do with a pair of mutated genes, one found in each chromosome. These mutated genes play a role in preventing the body from creating the receptor (CCR5 receptor) that allows the AIDS virus from breaking into the cells. However, this protection against the virus is genetic, which means that for a person to be immune, he/she have to inherit the mutated genes from one of the parents. If the genes are inherited from both parents, stronger immunity is developed against the virus.
Reference: Dotinga, R. (2005). Genetic HIV Resistance Deciphered. retrieved September 9, 2009, from http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2005/01/66198
Researchers discovered that this immunity has to do with a pair of mutated genes, one found in each chromosome. These mutated genes play a role in preventing the body from creating the receptor (CCR5 receptor) that allows the AIDS virus from breaking into the cells. However, this protection against the virus is genetic, which means that for a person to be immune, he/she have to inherit the mutated genes from one of the parents. If the genes are inherited from both parents, stronger immunity is developed against the virus.
Reference: Dotinga, R. (2005). Genetic HIV Resistance Deciphered. retrieved September 9, 2009, from http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2005/01/66198
6 comments:
Just another wonderful example of the amazing framework of our bodies. One of the first examples that I thought about even before I read the article was in fact the sickle cell trait, which the go on to mention in the article itself. Genetics has always interested me, even on the most basic levels when first learning about Mendel's peas. By tapping into the building blocks of our body and beginning to learn the fundamental protections against these deadly conditions, we very well might see and end to HIV in our lifetime.
Great information. Thanks for sharing it.
Morgan, I expect to see more than "Great information. Thanks for sharing it." You haven't added to the discussion at all.
Noor, it is the HIV virus, even though saying it that way seems redundant. There is no such thing as an AIDS virus. This theory has been around for a while when scientists started looking at long term survivors and those repeatedly exposed to HIV who never got the disease. HIV, however, is finding other pathways into the CD4 cells, so although these individuals may not have CCR5 if HIV is successful, it may not matter. For now though they have that rare immunity. Enjoyed the article.
Teach, do you recommend me finding another topic to talk about?
This was a very interesting topic. It makes me wonder that if people knew they had the genes that would fight off HIV, if they would ever consider safe sex. Even though they have the gene does not mean that they can never contract the disease. I believe that some people would use this as an excuse to behave carelessly. I hope that more research into the mutated genes will have an impact on the number of HIV cases.
It personally took the HIV virus 10 years to deplete my CD4 count enough to need to go on meds. I am considered a "slow progressor" which actually has somthing to do with my genetic makeup. Maybe gene therapy be utilized as a cure or at least treatment.
You guys are ausome!!!
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