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First
vaccine to fight AIDS cleared for testing in humans
The first vaccine designed specifically
to fight the HIV strain in Africa has been cleared for
testing in humans. This was declared by the International
AIDS Vaccine Initiative at the 13th World AIDS
Conference. Developed in partnership between researchers
at England’s Oxford University and the University of
Nairobi, the vaccine is one of several being studied.
The genesis of the vaccine is a curious
phenomenon observed among some people active in Nairobi's
sex trade. Of some 2,000 prostitutes studied, about 5
percent were found to have developed a natural resistance
to the disease. The very first exposure wasn't able to
cause infection, but was able to prime their immune
system and that the women's T-cell production increased
significantly. T cells are key cells that coordinate
immune system response. HIV focuses its attack on these
cells, disarming the body’s ability to fight
disease. Usually, the body doesn't recognize the virus
quickly enough to produce enough of the T cells needed
for an effective defense. Its hoped that once somebody
has been given the vaccine, they will respond vigorously
by producing T cells.
The first vaccine trial is scheduled to
begin within six to eight weeks in the United Kingdom. It
will move to Africa by year's end.
| Some Nairobi prostitutes who had initial
resistance to HIV later developed infection. As
long as the women continued to have frequent
partners, this resistance appeared to stay
intact. Several took time off and were infected
when they returned to work. |
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