WASHINGTON, Nov 15 (AFP) - Researchers have found a small variation in the immune system gene RANTES can be a double-edged sword in the fight against AIDS by causing people to become infected more easily but slowing the progression once infected, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal AIDS.

"This study offers the first genetic evidence that RANTES affects the risk of HIV transmission," said Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

"It also adds to the evidence that RANTES can slow the progression to AIDS in HIV-positive individuals, lending support to the search for a drug that mimics this gene's action," he said.

The researchers found that a very small variation in the gene was found much more frequently in HIV-positive individuals than in those resistant to infection, but those with the variation took about 40 percent longer to develop full-blown AIDS.

In fact, the variation slows the progression of AIDS so much that drug companies are working to find a RANTES-based drug to treat HIV infection, the study's author said.

"The results of our study support those efforts, but researchers must remember that higher RANTES levels may increase the likelihood of acquiring HIV," said David McDermott, the study's lead author.

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