How gene variations could protect from HIV infection
July 17th, 2008 | by
roger |
The New York Times reports on a “genetic variation that once protected people in sub-Saharan Africa from a now extinct form of malaria may have left them somewhat more vulnerable to infection by H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS. The gene could account for 11 percent of the H.I.V. infections in Africa, explaining why the disease is more common there than expected, researchers based in Texas and London say. The researchers said their finding had no immediate public health consequences. But if confirmed, it would offer an important insight into the biology of the virus.”
A major difference between SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus) and HIV is that the former is not a death sentence for apes and monkeys. This may be the result of a very long evolutionnary process during which apes where selected for their natural resistance to SIV. The same can be expected to happen in human, the immediate question would be how long is it going to take? And the only “little” problem is that for selection to happen, individuals would have to be exposed to the virus… not really an option!
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2 Responses to “How gene variations could protect from HIV infection”
By
Shan (Who am I?) on Jul 18, 2008 | Reply
I think you might be thinking of FIV (F for Feline). Monkeys don’t have a natural resistance to all SIV strains… and some humans do have a natural resistance to HIV.
By roger on Jul 18, 2008 | Reply
I did mean SIV as what I meant is that natural infection in African monkeys with SIV does not lead to AIDS-like disease like HIV in human leads to AIDS-realted diseases that kill human. However thanks for adding to the post, the precision is valid and is much appreciated.