HIV: Leap or Step?

  • Thread starter Pengwuino
  • Start date
The drug "AK602 not only proved effective against viruses that had become resistant to other drugs, but it also caused almost no side effects, the team said." This means that the person taking the drug is not going to be as vulnerable to other infections, since the drug is interfering with the normal immune response.
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  • #2
Well, from this bit:
The researchers conducted clinical tests on 40 AIDS patients in the United States.

AK602 not only proved effective against viruses that had become resistant to other drugs, but it also caused almost no side effects, the team said.(IHT/Asahi: July 7,2005)

I'd say almost no side effects in 40 patients means it might be too soon to say how safe it really is. It'll have to go to a more extensive clinical trial to be approved, and that's when we'll find out if it really is as good as the claims.
 
  • #3
CCR5 is a chemokine receptor that is expressed primarily on cells of the immune system (B-cells, T-cells, macrophages). Basically, it is important for the immune response because it helps activate the cells when there is an infection. So what I think this is about is that they found something that blocks the receptor so that HIV doesn't recognize the cell since certain strains of HIV need to recognize this receptor to infect the cell. I'm not sure how novel this idea is since I think other drugs have been made with similar functions but I don't know the specifics. Also, apparently there are other receptors that HIV can recognize although I believe this is the dominant one.

Think of it like you are trying to recognize a friend in a crowd. Normally it is easy but say we make it so all the faces are blank. Then you wouldn't be able to find your friend unless there was some other factor like a tattoo (this would be alternative receptors). Blocking the receptor is like putting HIV in a crowd of cells with no faces. It doesn't know who is who.
 
  • #4
detta said:
CCR5 is a chemokine receptor that is expressed primarily on cells of the immune system (B-cells, T-cells, macrophages). Basically, it is important for the immune response because it helps activate the cells when there is an infection. So what I think this is about is that they found something that blocks the receptor so that HIV doesn't recognize the cell since certain strains of HIV need to recognize this receptor to infect the cell. I'm not sure how novel this idea is since I think other drugs have been made with similar functions but I don't know the specifics. Also, apparently there are other receptors that HIV can recognize although I believe this is the dominant one.

Thanks detta. So, does this mean the person taking this drug is still going to be vulnerable to other infections, since the drug is interferring with the normal immune response? So, it might stop the HIV from infecting cells, but then leaves them still vulnerable to all the other infections people with suppressed immune systems are vulnerable to? Or does this have a different effect?
 

1. What is "HIV: Leap or Step?"

"HIV: Leap or Step?" is a scientific theory that suggests that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) evolved from a similar virus in primates and then made a "leap" into humans, rather than slowly adapting over time in a "step"wise manner.

2. What evidence supports the "leap" theory of HIV evolution?

One of the main pieces of evidence for the "leap" theory is the fact that HIV is closely related to a virus found in chimpanzees, called simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Additionally, studies have shown that the genetic makeup of HIV is more similar to SIV than to any other virus.

3. How does the "leap" theory differ from the "serial passage" theory?

The "serial passage" theory suggests that HIV evolved from a virus that was already present in humans, but underwent multiple mutations and adaptations through repeated transmission between individuals. The "leap" theory, on the other hand, proposes that HIV made a single jump from primates to humans, with minimal genetic changes.

4. Is there any evidence against the "leap" theory of HIV evolution?

Some scientists argue that the "leap" theory is not supported by the available evidence. They point to the fact that HIV is much more closely related to SIV from chimpanzees than from any other primate, suggesting that the virus may have been transmitted through other species before reaching humans. Additionally, there is no definitive proof that the "leap" occurred in a single event rather than through multiple transmissions.

5. Why is understanding the evolution of HIV important?

Understanding the origins and evolution of HIV is important for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies. By studying how the virus evolved, scientists can better understand how it may adapt and change in the future, and how to target and combat it. Additionally, understanding the origins of the virus can help to dispel myths and stigma surrounding HIV and those living with the virus.

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