HIV replication was stopped by RNA interference

American scientists have developed a new method for the control of HIV infection, based on the mechanism of RNAi interferiruschih-selective disconnection of individual genes by RNA. The new methodology is successfully tested in a mouse model of HIV infection. RNA interference - a universal method of regulation of gene activity in living organisms. In 2006, for the first time to describe this process, researchers Andrew Fire and Craig Mellow awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology. Pathogen of viral infections of the apparatus for the reproduction of DNA replication of the host cells used. The principles of the RNAi theoretically possible to stop the virus from replicating by turning it off a selective genes. But in order to avoid serious side effects, it is necessary to find ways for selective delivery of interfering RNA in infected cells. Researchers from Harvard Medical School, led by Priti Kumar (Priti Kumar) solved this problem by using a synthetic antibody with selective affinity for T lymphocytes. These cells are the main target of the human immunodeficiency virus. Thus, the scientists were able to ensure the supply of T lymphocytes interfering RNA that can block the activity of three genes. One of these genes encodes a protein that is used by the virus to penetrate the cell can, and the other two with the integrated virus in the human genome and encode the viral proteins. The new method in a mouse model of HIV infection tested. Normal mice can not be infected with HIV, the lab used immunodeficient animals with transplanted stem cells in human bone marrow. These cells develop different types of cells in the human immune system as a target for HIV. Untreated HIV multiplies rapidly in the cells of mice. Making rapid death of T lymphocytes However intravenous administration of the compounds to antibodies interfering RNA effective termination of replication of the virus in some animals. The researchers emphasize that to confirm the current method tested and tried in the early stages of development, and their effectiveness must be new, more detailed laboratory studies. In the future, a new procedure for dealing with HIV used to patients not treated on standard antiretroviral therapy.