Alpha-1 antitrypsin, a natural protein may block HIV

17 January 2001. Related: Other news.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Centre say that a natural body protein usually associated with cystic fibrosis could be used to fight AIDS because it appears to prevent the AIDS virus from infecting cells. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) works in several ways against the virus, including blocking the ability of the virus to infect healthy cells and virtually halting the virus’ ability to spread out of the cell. Dr. Leland Shapiro says that it could be possible to give extra AAT to HIV-infected patients. AAT is currently used to treat patients with cystic fibrosis and other genetic defects, and it is grown in the milk of genetically engineered animals.

Ref: Due for publication in the January edition of FASEB

Source: CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update