NIH Radio

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Brief Description:

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute identified a novel type of antibody that potently inhibits HIV infection.

Transcript:

Akinso: Researchers at the National Cancer Institute identified a novel type of antibody that potently inhibits HIV infection. Antibodies are large proteins naturally produced by the immune system to help fight disease-causing foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Previous research has shown that reducing antibodies to the smallest independent functional fragment, known as a variable domain, can make them more useful as therapeutic agents. In this study, a small antibody fragment, known as a domain antibody, was shown to be highly effective in neutralizing HIV by preventing the virus from entering cells. Dr. Dimiter Dimitrov is with the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research.

Dimitrov: We found a new domain antibody, which was the very first human domain antibody found against HIV. And it shows an exceptionally high potency and activity against this virus.

Akinso: Dr. Dimitrov explains how this finding may impact public health.

Dimitrov: It targets a new structure of the HIV, which has never been targeted before. And therefore it has a promise to be use in combination with other drugs to fight drug resistance. In terms of the significance to the public this antibody can add another weapon in our armory against HIV.

Akinso: Dr. Dimitrov adds that the study could lead to a potential therapeutic drug against HIV down the road. This is Wally Akinso at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.