For this study, the researchers created a new nanomedicine filled with genetic materials called
“siRNA was selected as a potential therapy because they can be designed to regulate the expression of specific genes in the body,” lead study author Dr. Emmanuel Ho, associate professor in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo, explained to Medical News Today. “Benefits of this include lower chance of side effects in comparison to conventional small molecule drugs.”
As the siRNAs can dictate which genes or proteins are turned on or off in cells, researchers reported they caused a 73% reduction in HIV replication.
Additionally, the new nanomedicine helped combat issues HIV presents when it comes to
“Autophagy is a natural process by which our cells can “self-digest” proteins for recycling or even eliminate microbes,” Dr. Ho detailed. “Unfortunately, HIV is smart and they are able to inhibit autophagy by producing a protein called
The researchers also targeted a host gene called
“By developing a combination nanomedicine that can deliver siRNA specific for Nef and CCR5, we hope to one, reduce the expression of CCR5 on cells to reduce HIV binding and infection two, if unfortunately, HIV is still able to infect cells, then by reducing the expression of Nef, we can re-activate autophagy in these cells so that they can digest HIV. This is the first study demonstrating this two-pronged approach for preventing HIV infection.”
— Dr. Emmanuel Ho, lead study author
MNT also spoke with Dr. Edward Liu, chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, about this study. He said the new research is a novel approach to fighting HIV.
“Current…
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