Forgotten Antibody May Keep Away HIV Infections
Wednesday, July 25, 2018 IST
Scientists have discovered a promising class of forgotten antibodies which may offer protection against HIV-1 virus.
Scientists have discovered a promising class of forgotten antibodies which may offer protection against HIV-1 virus.
The antibody called Immunoglobulin M (IgM) -- which is naturally produced by plasma cells located under the surface lining of body cavities -- was effective in preventing infection after mucosal AIDS virus exposure, the researchers found.
IgM resulted in what is called immune exclusion. It lumped up the virus, preventing it from crossing the mucosal barrier and spreading to the rest of the body.
"IgM is sort of the forgotten antibody. Most scientists believed its protective effect was too short-lived to be leveraged as any kind of protective shield against an invading pathogen like HIV-1." said lead author Ruth Ruprecht from Texas Biomedical Research Institute in the US.
The team treated Rhesus monkeys with a man-made version of IgM.
Half an hour later, the same animals were exposed to SHIV (simian-human immunodeficiency virus) and were then monitored for 82 days.
The findings, published in the journal AIDS, showed that four out of the six animals treated using IgM were completely protected against the virus.
Ruprecht said IgM has a high affinity for its antigens. It grabs them very quickly and does not let go.
"Our study reveals for the first time the protective potential of mucosal anti-HIV-1 IgM. IgM has a five-times higher ability to bind to virus particles compared to the standard antibody form called IgG. It basically opens up a new area of research. IgM can do more than it has been given credit," Ruprecht added.
Related Topics
Related News & Articles
Scientists have developed a vaginal implant that can protect women from HIV infection by decreasing the number of cells that the virus can target in their genital t...
Recently posted . 627 views . 1 min read
The drug called ibalizumab shall be delivered intravenously every two weeks and lasts longer than current HIV drugs, which are taken daily by mouth.
Recently posted . 604 views . 1 min read
The odds of developing NTM pulmonary infection were 2.7 times greater in those patients who had filled three or more prescriptions for an inhaled steroid — st...
Recently posted . 886 views . 2 min read
According to a study, adolescents that are exposed to drug use, mental distress and violence are at risk for HIV in adulthood.
Recently posted . 769 views . 1 min read
Over 18 million HIV-positive people are currently taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) with as many still unable to access the life-saving treatment, the WH...
Recently posted . 633 views . 15 min read
Trending News & Articles
Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...
Recently posted . 7K views . 2 min read
The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
More in Food & Health
The device is powered by the sun and contains the world’s most sophisticated and accurate UV dosimeter. This device aims to provide a ...
Recently posted. 795 views . 1 min read
Perhaps one of the most frustrating things parents experience is trying to understand what message their baby’s behavior is trying to convey. Until your chi...
Recently posted. 907 views . 3 min read
So you have mastered your cardio routine, and you want to add strength training, or resistance training to your weekly routine, here is what you need to know. Women...
Recently posted. 902 views . 2 min read
Recently posted . 890 views
Recently posted . 690 views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views . 137 min read
Recently posted . 1K views . 58 min read
Getting fit is everybody’s dream in today’s busy life. But while trying to be healthy and fit, most of us make important decisions in a haste resulting ...
Recently posted. 1K views . 3 min read
CrossFit can look intimidating, and many remain unfamiliar with exactly what a CrossFit class entails. To find out more we spoke to Pat Barber, a CrossFit coach and...
Recently posted. 895 views . 14 min read