ASC Chemical Biology reports that a French team developed a molecule that blocks the transfer of HIV from one cell to another.
This molecule affects the DC-SIGN receptor that is usually used by the virus to spread throughout the body.
A team from Joseph Fourier University studied the DC-SIGN receptor, which is located on the surface of cells. This is what comes in contact with the outside world and is found on skin and mucous membranes, which are the gateways of pathogens in the body.
The DC-SIGN appears to be a promising and previously unexplored receptor. There is renewed hope to combat this disease now that this molecule was found to block the transfer of HIV to other cells. HIV/AIDS claims millions of victims each year, especially in Africa.
Furthermore, this discovery could also be used to treat infections such as hepatitis C, dengue fever, Ebola, SARS and tuberculosis.
So far, tests have proved promising in vitro. The next step is to conduct tests on animals. There is still a long way to go before human trials can take place. There is no guarantee of obtaining the same results at this stage, although researchers remain hopeful.