Detection of variant HLA-B gene that helps to block HIV

The HLA-B gene variant, which contributed to the scientists 'explanation of the extraordinary ability of some people infected with the HIV virus to stay healthy even without drugs , according to researchers' reports. Published in Science magazine on November 4, 2010. The study confirmed the HLA-B gene variant, which has a resistance effect, inhibiting the development of HIV virus at the cellular level.

For every 300 HIV-infected patients, 1 person will have the HLA-B gene variant . Despite being infected with the virus, their immune system controls such diseases that it rarely progresses, even without medication. Scientists have long thought that this basic protective genetic search could help create drugs or vaccines against HIV. Recently, scientists found that proteins called p21 , could contribute to protection.

In some people infected with HIV, a variant of the HLA-B protein (shown here) can help hinder viruses by closely binding to an HIV segment (center) and displaying it with immune cells.

Previous research has suggested that the HLA gene variant helps the immune system to resist, inhibit the development of HIV virus at the cellular level. HLA gene encodes immune proteins called leukocyte antigens in the human body, determining immune function.

In the new study, the researchers identified more than 1 million genetic variants in blood samples from people with HIV, some with immunity and some without. Scientists were able to detect more than 300 significantly different variants among groups, according to Paul de Bakker, co-author of the new study, geneticist working at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women "s Hospital. , Boston, USA.

For example, the HLA-B gene variant appears 5 times. Several other gene variants appear 2 to 4 times, but the HLA-B gene variant stands out in the analysis.

Proteins carrying the HLA-B gene variant provide an essential immune function, collect viral fragments in cells and display them on the cell surface for examination by immune abstinors called CD8 T cells It will give each protein an up or down sign. If CD8 T cells do not accept a piece of protein, the cells are completely destroyed. While it seems fierce to handle a cell, extreme measures stop before a virus can confiscate cells to mass produce more viruses, according to co-author Bruce Walker. Immunists study at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, USA.

" I think this is a really good article. It is very interesting ," according to Alasdair Leslie, an immunologist working at Oxford University, England, the group did earlier, linking CD8 T cells. HLA protein function. " This reinforces the argument that the HLA variant and perhaps the CD8 T cell response are important ," he said. " It does not give hope to exploit the idea that this reaction in vaccines can work ."

By analyzing the structure of HLA-B gene variants and recording that is related to protection against HIV, researchers excluded the role of amino acids, the molecular building blocks of proteins - it is an important means for attaching HLA-B protein to HIV in the cell phase.

" If we can understand gene variants, in terms of their biology, this will open new targets for HIV vaccines or drugs ," said Alison Motsinger-Reif, who works at North University. Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA.

" We found the needles in the haystack, " according to Bruce Walker. " Now we need to interrogate these needles ."