Immune System May Offer A.I.D.S, Answer (Press, 23 December 1986)
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Summary: Immune System May Offer A.I.D.S, Answer (Press, 23 December 1986)
On 23 December 1986, researchers reported advancements in the search for potential treatments to prevent AIDS, focusing on two experimental approaches. The first method involves a synthetic protein named "peptide T", being studied by United States Government scientists. This protein is thought to mimic the AIDS virus, effectively blocking it from latching onto its target cells in the immune system and brain. According to "New Scientist" magazine, the application of this peptide could lead to receptor cells becoming saturated, which would help eliminate the virus from the body over time. Simultaneously, scientists in San Francisco have unveiled findings that indicate the possibility of the human immune system itself overpowering the virus. Notably, Jay Levy from the University of California conducted experiments with three healthy homosexual men, revealing that they possessed antibodies against the AIDS virus without showing any symptoms of the disease. By manipulating the white blood cells in these cultures, Levy discovered that upon removing certain suppressor cells, the virus levels increased, suggesting these cells play a crucial role in controlling the virus's proliferation. Reintroducing the suppressor cells resulted in a suppression of the virus, leading the researchers to believe that these cells might produce a substance that interferes with the virus’s activity. The significance of these findings is underscored by the fact that approximately 70 percent of individuals who carry the AIDS virus either do not develop the illness or only exhibit mild symptoms. This observation has been a driving force behind the current research efforts, as it suggests that many may have a natural defense mechanism against the disease. Researchers are optimistic that these strategies could lead to effective methods for preventing or controlling AIDS.
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