A novel mechanism wherein HIV-1 may facilitate its own transmission by usurping the antibody response directed against itself was identified by researchers. These results have important implications for HIV vaccine development and for understanding the earliest events in HIV transmission.
In a study appearing in the November issue of PLoS Pathogens, Dr. Donald Forthal of UC Irvine and colleagues studied the mechanisms employed by the virus to cross genital tract tissue and establish infection. Since cervicovaginal fluid is acidic and HIV-1 in cervicovaginal fluid is likely coated with antibodies, they explored the effect of low pH and HIV-1-specific antibodies on transcytosis, the movement of HIV-1 across tight-junctioned epithelial cells.
AIDS/HIV - Prevention And Transmission
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The researchers found that the combination of HIV-1-specific antibodies and low pH enhanced transcytosis as much as 20-fold.
Source: Eurekalert
AIDS/HIV - Clinical Features
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 AIDS and PregnancyThe Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is brought about by the deadly human immunodeficiency virus. In the USA alone an estimate of 120,000 - 160,000 women are HIV- infected. | Advertisement
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