COMMON bacteria living in the human body have been genetically modified to produce chemicals that block HIV infection. Scientists at the US National Cancer Institute have altered a form of E. coli found in the gut so that it secretes proteins that block HIV from infecting its target cells.
The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), could lead to a practical and cost-effective way to combat the virus.
NI_MPU('middle');Most HIV transmission occurs on the surfaces of the gut and reproductive areas, which are normally coated with a layer of bacteria. When the modified bacteria were introduced in mice they colonised parts of the lower gut and were also found in lower concentrations in the vagina. Scientists said that the method could be adapted to deliver bacteria secreting different proteins to different parts of the body. Although it is primarily designed to prevent new HIV infections, the researchers believe that it could also be used to treat people who are already HIV infected.
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