Researchers from Rome, Italy, describe a finding in the August 2007 print issue of The FASEB Journal that could lead to new drugs to fight the HIV/AIDS virus, as well as new vaccines to prevent infection.
It has been known that HIV proteins disable the antibody-forming part of the immune system (the "Homeland defense" or acquired immune system). In this report, researchers demonstrate for the first time how the HIV-1 Nef viral protein delivers a one-two punch to the body's innate immune system (our , early warning system, composed of dendritic and natural killer cells). First, Nef hijacks dendritic cells (DCs) to upset the function of natural killer (NK) cells. Second, after blocking this first line of defense against the immune system, Nef uses DCs and NK cells to create a microenvironment that actually makes it easier for HIV/AIDS to replicate.
According to Maria Giovanna Quaranta of Instituto Superiore de Sanit, and first author of the article, "The findings described in this work may have several implications for AIDS treatment: the understanding of Nef function, mechanism of action, and cellular partners might aid the discovery of suitable drugs able to block the activity of this smart protein." Quaranta added, "An exciting possibility is the design of a vaccine including a mutated Nef protein unable to assist the virus in the control of its host."