Researchers at the University of Alberta have made a breakthrough with the discovery of a gene that might block the spread of HIV and the onset of AIDS.
The hope is that the discovery could lead to a vaccine that would combat the deadly virus.
Lead researcher Steven Barr said the gene, known as TRIM22, has a natural anti-viral defence function and has the ability to block HIV.
Though the research is admittedly in its infancy, Barr said the goal now is to study how the gene works in hopes to mimic its ability to combat the virus.
"It's exciting because it's a natural defence against HIV. So if we can harness this without the toxic effect of drugs it's going to be beneficial for HIV patients in the future," Barr told CTV's Canada AM on Friday.
Barr and his team worked with scientists at the University of Pennsylvania to discover the gene and identify its role.
TRIM22 works like hundreds of other genes in the human body to fight viruses, but is especially well suited to defending against HIV.
The researchers' lab tests have shown that when TRIM22 is triggered in cell cultures that have HIV, it blocks the virus from assembling and locks it in the cell, preventing it from spreading.
How it works:
- Interferons are proteins produced by human cells to turn on the anti-viral defence, when needed to protect against a virus threat.
- Mysteriously, the interferons' response does not seem to function properly in patients who have the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
- TRIM22, Barr's team has discovered, is one of hundreds of genes that is triggered by those interferons to act defensively against viruses, and especially against HIV -- but not in patients who have the virus.
- The discovery shows for the first time that the human body has a gene that is capable of fighting HIV, giving new hope for a treatment breakthrough.
"We would want to try and mimic the antiviral effect of TRIM22, we can do this by either drugs or vaccine or find ways to turn this thing on in HIV patients when in fact it's not on," Barr said
He cautioned the discovery is not a cure, and suggested it could take 10 years before the findings result in treatment options. But the discovery is a step towards finding a cure, and provides hopes to those living with the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS.
"You have to make these small little discoveries so it paves the way for bigger developments," Barr said.
He added: "The more information we can gather the sooner we can get to these drugs or vaccines."
