by Jason Stotts
A new study on HIV from Spain is getting some interesting results. Although it is a very early trial, researchers have developped a vaccine that can help some to develop at least a partial immunity to HIV.
Spanish researchers found that 22 of 24 healthy people (92 per cent) developed an immune response to HIV after being given their MVA-B vaccine….
The injection contains four HIV genes which stimulate T and B lymphocytes, which are types of white blood cells.
Prof Esteban explained: “Our body is full of lymphocytes, each of them programmed to fight against a different pathogen.
“Training is needed when it involves a pathogen, like the HIV one, which cannot be naturally defeated”.
Overall, 92 per cent developed some sort of immune response. However, that is not the same thing as being protected from HIV infection: the response could be inadequate to provide protection. (The Telegraph)
This is very promising news indeed and I look forward to seeing what comes of it.