Protein Collected Years Ago From Australian Soft Coral Highly Effective At Blocking HIV Infection

[hatrack]

In the waters off the coast of northern Australia lives a species of feathery coral. Years ago, bits of it were collected by the Australian Institute of Marine Science and stored at the National Cancer Institute’s extract repository, along with 200,000 other samples. When researchers retrieved and tested it, they found that it was very effective at blocking HIV infection of host cells.

Their findings were presented by Koreen Ramessar of the National Cancer Institute at a conference on April 29, with a full report slated for release in the near future. Even though the results are preliminary, they raise hope that the coral extracts could be used to boost the efficacy of preventative treatments.

According to estimates by the World Health Organization, 35.3 million people were infected with HIV at the end of 2012, with approximately 2.3 million new cases that same year. If untreated, HIV will progress to its disease-form, AIDS, once the virus reduces a person’s immune system T-cells to below a certain threshold (200 cells per cubic millimeter). While antiviral treatments have advanced in the past decade, more than a million people still die from AIDS-related conditions every year.

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Not much is known about the species’ range or population. Because of this, the researchers are not releasing its specific name or location at this time. “I do not want to encourage would-be collectors to go out collecting the coral and potentially causing damage to the ecosystem,” said O’Keefe. ”[The sample] was initially collected in only small quantities under supervision by the Australian Institute of Marine Science and I think that is best.”

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http://news.mongabay.com/2014/0509-morgan-coral-hiv.html

[WhiteTara]

1. Too bad we're destroying the coral reefs. nt

[knownow]

2. HIV and living

I've had HIV for 25 years it's not possible to live well, you live in hyper-awareness of the germs and bacteria everyone else ignores, in the end, it isolates you. The fewer people I come in contact with means I'll have less chance of encountering the bacteria that can kill me. I've learned to be happy with what I can have, I've learned to be happy with less than others have. I'm very lucky to still be here and I am grateful even with being isolated. I saw AIDS start and my fantasy is to see it eradicated.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

3. Welcome to DU, and Best Wishes. n/t