Scientists have discovered a weak spot in the AIDS virus that is susceptible to antibodies which could lead to a vaccine.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health issued a report yesterday Feb. 14th, about a specific protein in HIV that provides the initial "handshake" when making contact with immune cells. The cells are tricked thus giving the virus the opportunity to take over.
This specific protein can be neutralized by a protein we all make but immune cells have yet to identify it as a resource to use against HIV. When the virus is positively identified, the correct antibody is applied easily neutralizing the virus.
Although the journal is careful to point out it's not a cure yet, they remain positive about future research which would ultimately lead to a vaccine. I think it's an amazing prospect that our bodies may already have the weapon to defeat the virus, it just never knew to use it.
There are currently 2 other HIV vaccines in human trial so if anything, this new research is another beacon of hope to hold on to.
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