Scientists have recently discovered a
molecular invisibility cloak that enables HIV,
the virus causing AIDS, to hide inside cells of
the body without triggering the body's natural
defence systems.
The new study demonstrates how 'uncloaking'
the virus using an experimental drug triggers
an immune response that stops the virus from
replicating in cells grown in the laboratory.
The findings could help to improve existing
therapies for HIV infection and find new ways
of virus treatment.
The innate immune system is the body's first
line of defence against infection and
incorporates an alarm system present in all
cells of the body that detects the presence of
'foreign' material from invading bacteria and
viruses.
When the alarm is tripped, the infected cell
begins an anti-viral programme and sends out
warning signals to alert other cells that a
virus is around.
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