Scientists Discover ‘Natural Barrier’ to HIV
Posted on March 12th, 2007 by Ben
‘Natural Barrier’ to HIV
March 5, 2007
By E.J. Mundell
Researchers have discovered that cells in the mucosal lining of
human genitalia produce a protein that “eats up” invading HIV —
possibly keeping the spread of the AIDS more contained than it might
otherwise be.
Even more important, enhancing the activity of this protein, called
Langerin, could be a potent new way to curtail the transmission of the
virus that causes AIDS, the Dutch scientists added.
Langerin is produced by Langerhans cells, which form a web-like
network in skin and mucosa. This network is one of the first structures
HIV confronts as it attempts to infect its host.
Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC
Filed under: Epidemiology, Science and Technology
Lets hope this discovery is utilized by the scientists to combat AIDS or even cure it.