Natural Protein May Defend From HIV, Study Finds

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Natural Protein May Defend From HIV, Study Finds

Reuters (www.reuters.com) (12/15/00)

Researchers at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center 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.
001218
AD002245

Copyright © 2000 - 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Always watch for outdated information.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 2000. 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, 2000. 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.