Gene Map of AIDS Key Will Help Research--Doctors

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Gene Map of AIDS Key Will Help Research--Doctors

Reuters (10/27/93) (da Silva, Wilson)

Sydney--Australian scientists say they have cloned and genetically mapped the CD26 co-receptor molecule that was identified only days ago by French researchers as the key that allows HIV to enter and infect human cells. Geoff McCaughan, associate professor of Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, says his research team conducted what they believe is the first complete mapping of CD26, and the Australian researchers say they will provide the map to AIDS scientists. The next step, they say, is to closely examine the genetic structure of CD26, in hopes of revealing a weakness that would provide insight into the development of a drug able to prevent the AIDS virus from invading healthy cells. If the molecule is indeed the key to HIV infection, French researchers at the Pasteur Institute suggest that the genetic map may allow them "to target these as a way of reducing the number of CD26 molecules expressed, thereby reducing the risk of HIV infection," says McCaughan. His research team had been studying the molecule's relationship with liver disease. After the French researchers' discovery, the Australians are trying to match differences in the genetic structure of CD26 with how the virus affects AIDS patients. McCaughan says variations might explain why some people develop the disease shortly after infection, some take years, and others seem to maintain immunity.

931027
AD931938

Copyright © 1993 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1993. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.