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New research in the USA has raised the possibility that a vaccine protecting
cats against FIV, the feline equivalent of HIV, may also work in humans.
FIV, which affects around 3% of domestic cats in the USA is from the same
group of viruses as HIV – the lentiviruses. Researcher Janet Yamamoto,
who made the breakthrough, found that by injecting cats with whole cells
which were already infected with an inactive version of FIV, generated
an immunity to the illness whilst not causing further infection. She repeated
the procedure, this time using cells infected with HIV (which is not infectious
to cats), and found that the same immunisation occurred, but with a higher
rate of success. Of the cats injected with her HIV vaccine, 78% developed
immunity, compared to just 50% injected with FIV. The news is exciting
because it is hoped that the reverse may also hold true – that by
injecting humans with FIV-infected cells immunity to HIV could be generated
by the body, and because FIV is not a danger to humans then the vaccine
would be completely safe.
Up until now, scientists have only used partially infected cells in research
in the fear that if the whole virus is used, it will cause infection,
as has happened in researching vaccines for other viruses. However, Yamamoto
found that using only partially infected cells did not stimulate enough
of a response. Research is continuing, and as soon as any more news is
heard you can expect to see it here.
More information about the research can be found by visiting the HIV news
section on www.uk.gay.com
or by contacting PIN on 01604 634969.
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