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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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7

Breakthrough Raises Hope for HIV Vaccine

Antibodies could help scientists combat elusive virus' defenses

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(Newser) – Researchers have found two antibodies that neutralize the AIDS virus more successfully than any identified in the past, resurrecting hopes that it may be possible to develop an effective vaccine, Time reports. The new antibodies are effective against a broad range of HIV variants, neutralizing the virus’ most effective defense: an ability to rapidly mutate in the face of treatment.

A vaccine is still far off—now that the potent antibodies have been identified, scientists need to find an immune signal that will cause the body to produce them in large amounts. Then they need to package that signal in a vaccine. “That's a big catch, a second hurdle that we have not gone over yet,” said prominent HIV researcher Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Disease.

HIV, colored red, attaches itself to a lymphocyte in this file photo taken with a scanning electron microscope.
HIV, colored red, attaches itself to a lymphocyte in this file photo taken with a scanning electron microscope.   (Wikimedia Commons)
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They certainly don't get everything. But if you are able to get 80% or more of viruses circulating out there with one single antibody, that's terrific, considering how variable these viruses are.
- Dennis Burton

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7 comments
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youngblood
Sep 3, 09 4:21 PM CDT
This article is like saying the War is Over, when it's not! Reply
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
Robert_Dada
Sep 3, 09 4:28 PM CDT
Yeah... makes me think of a sign saying "Mission Accomplished" on an aircraft carrier.
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0
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Unaffiliated
Sep 3, 09 5:33 PM CDT
"A vaccine is still far off...", and "That's a big catch, a second hurdle that we have not gone over yet." Even the headline couches the findings by saying the "Breakthrough Raises Hope."
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+2
Woofer58
Sep 3, 09 5:16 PM CDT
Sure are ugly little dudes. Reply
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RepressedBySociety
Sep 3, 09 6:18 PM CDT
So what if it's still gonna be a while until an actual cure is found. At least we know they're on the right road now, and it gives victims hope, which is priceless. Reply
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+1

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