German scientists from the University Hospital Cologne have discovered an antibody that can neutralize up to 98% of HIV variants and could form the basis for new treatments or prevention methods for the infection. This is reported by UNN with reference to DW.
Details
The researchers analyzed blood samples from 32 individuals – all of whom were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but their bodies managed to independently produce a powerful and coordinated immune response.
From these samples, over 800 different anti-HIV antibodies were obtained, and one of them – 04A06 – proved capable of effectively preventing the virus from entering the body's cells. In experiments, it was able to neutralize 98% of HIV variants
Scientists deciphered the mechanism of synthesis of this antibody and reproduced it in the laboratory.
Although other anti-HIV antibodies exist, 04A06 "is definitely one of the most promising in this group
At the same time, both she and Christoph Spinner, head of the infectious diseases department at the Technical University of Munich clinic, emphasize that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, and further research is needed.
It is noted that the antibody discovered by German scientists could potentially become a means of passive immunization – the introduction of ready-made antibodies into the body, which provide rapid but temporary protection against infection. Unlike active immunization through vaccination, it does not stimulate the body to produce its own antibodies. There is currently no effective vaccine against HIV, which causes the deadly acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Recently, a promising substance, lenacapavir, approved in Europe for pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV – exclusively under medical supervision – has emerged. However, whether this drug will become the long-awaited breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS is still unknown.
Recall
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