General

Novel antibody that efficiently attacks HIV virus

NewsGram Desk

New York: The researchers from California Institute of Technology have discovered a new antibody that can make it easier to detect and neutralise HIV virus in an infected patient.

Proteins called broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) are a promising key to prevent infection by HIV — the virus that causes AIDS.

photo credit: www.independent.co.uk

The process of HIV infection begins when the virus comes in contact with human immune cells called T cells that carry a particular protein called CD4 on their surface. Broadly neutralising antibodies have been found in blood samples from some HIV patients whose immune systems can naturally control the infection.

The newly-discovered antibodies may protect a patient's healthy cells by recognising this protein present on the surface of all HIV strains and inhibiting, or neutralising, the effects of the virus.

"It is actually an advantage if the antibody can recognise different forms," said Louise Scharf, a postdoctoral scholar.

A potential medical application of this antibody is in combination therapies in which a patient is given a cocktail of several antibodies that work in different ways to fight off the virus as it rapidly changes and evolves.

The work was published in the journal Cell.

(IANS)

Yudh Abhyas 2025: Indian, US soldiers conclude exercise in Alaska

Sahara Group assets disposed of in a clandestine manner, says ED

BRS, YSR Congress welcome SC's interim order on Waqf Amendment Act

AI helps fake candidate held in Jaipur for taking Rajasthan police constable examination

Khedkar Family in Fresh Trouble AGAIN: Police Rescue Missing Truck Driver from Sacked IAS Officer Puja Khedkar’s Residence in Pune