A.I.D.S. Research Break Claimed (Press, 26 September 1986)
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Summary: A.I.D.S. Research Break Claimed (Press, 26 September 1986)
In a significant advancement for A.I.D.S. vaccination research, experiments conducted on monkeys have yielded promising results, suggesting that a vaccine could potentially eliminate the disease. Dr. Joyce Zarling, a biogeneticist from Seattle's Oncogen and Genetic Systems Corporation, expressed cautious optimism regarding these results. She stated that if the findings could be replicated in humans, a vaccine akin to the smallpox vaccine could be developed, similar to how smallpox was eradicated globally. In a recent publication in the scientific journal, “Nature,” co-authored by Dr. Zarling and Dr. William Morton from the Regional Primate Centre at the University of Washington, it was reported that macaque monkeys developed crucial immunities against envelope viruses, including the A.I.D.S. virus. This was achieved through the injection of a genetically altered smallpox vaccine that included proteins from the A.I.D.S. virus. Dr. Zarling highlighted that for the first time, they successfully induced immunity against a virus within the T-cells, which play a critical role in the immune response. These immune T-cells were observed to attack and eliminate cells that were infected by the A.I.D.S. virus, while a secondary, previously documented immunity involved the production of A.I.D.S. antibodies. The most noteworthy achievement was the establishment of cell-mediated immunity initiated by T-cells, composed of plasma and white blood cells. Following these results, researchers have begun using chimpanzees, the closest relatives to humans for experimental purposes, and preliminary findings indicate these animals are gaining protection from the A.I.D.S. virus as well. Dr. Zarling indicated that while the prospects are exciting, it remains uncertain when human trials might commence, as extensive research on chimpanzees is still in progress, along with the necessity to meet stringent requirements set by the United States Food and Drug Administration. In conjunction with this research, the U.S. Government has expedited the availability of a new drug, AZT, that has shown effectiveness in prolonging the lives of individuals with A.I.D.S. These advancements provide a glimmer of hope in the fight against a disease that has impacted countless lives globally.
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