New research identifies conditions that inhibit progression of HIV virus to AIDS

Brussels, 05 Sep 2002

New research from German researchers provides estimates on the likely success of drugs for treating AIDS which are currently in development and pinpoints the factors of HIV dynamics that must be eliminated in order to pave the way for efficient HIV/AIDS treatment.

The researchers have developed a computer simulation system to map the 'predator-prey' dynamics between viruses and the immune system. The research therefore offers a clearer understanding of the conditions that slow down the progression of the virus into AIDS and the point at which HIV may be most effectively defeated.

'Our research findings are a step ahead in understanding conditions that promote a non-progression to AIDS, suggesting vaccination and receptor blocking/fusion inhibition as efficient ways of overcoming an HIV infection. Receptor blocking is a process by which the HIV strains are blocked from attaching to markers on the T-helper cells which are necessary to start the process of cell membrane fusion, said Christel Kamp, one of the project's researchers from the University of Kiel. 'The first clinical trials are also showing these strategies to be very promising,' he added.

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CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001