Prevention of HIV-1 IIIB infection in chimpanzees by CD4 immunoadhesin

Article Abstract:

A virus goes through many steps between its first contact with a new host and the eventual release of new progeny viruses. Researchers study every step in this process as a potential point for interfering with the virus and preventing infection. One key step in viral infection is the binding of a virus to some molecule on the surface of a target cell. In the case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; the AIDS virus), this molecule is CD4 and it is found on some cells of the immune system. Attempts have been made to block the binding of HIV to the CD4 and thereby prevent the infection. It has now proved possible to prevent experimental HIV infection in chimpanzees by injecting them with a hybrid molecule composed of an antibody molecule and a molecule of CD4. When this hybrid molecule was injected prior to the injection of the AIDS virus, it protected the chimpanzees from developing HIV infection. It should be emphasized that the infectious process is different in chimpanzees than in humans; although HIV is successful in replicating in unprotected chimps, it never causes an illness as it does in human victims. If further studies bear out the protective ability of the CD4-antibody hybrid, one possible use may be in protecting the fetuses of mothers infected with HIV. Antibodies of the IgG class, the class used in these experiments, can cross the placenta and pass from mother to fetus. The hybrid molecule also crosses the placenta. It may be possible, therefore, to inject HIV-infected pregnant women with large amounts of the hybrid. The hybrid CD4-antibody would enter the circulation of the fetus and, hopefully, reduce the risk of infection with the AIDS virus (which also passes from mother to fetus). Unfortunately, little is known about the mechanisms by which HIV infects the fetus. At present, however, it is clear that from 15 to 45 percent of all infants born to HIV-infected mothers have HIV infection and will develop AIDS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Models, Physiological aspects, HIV infection, HIV infections, AIDS vaccines

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Soviets enact new law

Article Abstract:

Although the problem of AIDS is not as serious within the Soviet Union as it is in some Western nations, the government is taking steps to work out a national program to stop the spread of this disease. The Supreme Soviet has enacted a new law, and intends to set up a commission to develop an AIDS policy. The new law provides guarantees for the rights of AIDS patients and those infected with the AIDS virus. Patients cannot be fired from their jobs or refused employment on the basis of either having AIDS or testing positive for the virus. Children with AIDS cannot be refused admission to school. The law also provides an early pension for people who become infected at a clinic while being treated for other disorders, though it is questionable whether those who become infected with AIDS in this manner will find their new pension much consolation. In addition, infected citizens are expected to behave in a responsible manner, and the new law contains criminal penalties for those who knowingly put others at risk for infection. So far, only about 19 people have died from AIDS in the Soviet Union, and a massive screening of 55 million people found only 984 to be infected with HIV; 502 of those were foreigners. Nevertheless, the Soviet system of health care is ill-equipped to handle a large-scale AIDS emergency, and preventive measures are regarded as quite urgent. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Soviet Union, editorial

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