Find a way to 'disable' the HIV virus

An international team of researchers from Finland, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States has discovered a mechanism to disable the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) molecule.

According to information from the scientists, this mechanism reveals an entire group of compounds that can be used to treat various diseases, including cancer and HIV.

The importance of this discovery makes it possible for similar drugs to be used for different diseases.

Picture 1 of Find a way to 'disable' the HIV virus
Scientists have discovered a way to "control" the HIV virus.

Professor Oleg Rakitin, one of the group's scientists, explained that the compound facilitates the removal of a zinc atom from the virus molecule, rendering it inactive.

The information provided also noted that the compounds discovered after the discovery were highly effective, but were not toxic to the host.

'From the outset, we considered the anticancer effects of this group of drugs a top priority. But in fact, it turns out that these compounds are highly active and selective against the immunodeficiency virus in cats, the closest analogue to human viruses , '' Professor Rak Rakitin said.

The scientists emphasize that this effect has been discovered and research will continue to identify other diseases of similar nature that can be treated.

The HIV virus affects the immune system in humans, allowing other diseases to develop in the infected body. The average life expectancy of an infected person is estimated to be 9 to 11 years, according to UNAIDS data. According to the agency, 37.9 million people are currently living with HIV, with 1.7 million newly infected in 2018. New infections are declining since 1998 and AIDS-related deaths are has been decreasing since 2004. UNAIDS hopes to eliminate the disease completely by 2030.

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