Human Gene Protects Against HIV-1 Infection

08/02/96 13:16 FAX [phone]

AARONDIAMOND ARC

Aaron Diamond/AlteredCKR-5 Genes Protect! Page 2
gene, one inherited from each parent, to be protected against this strain of HIV-1, say the
scientists.
The scientists warn that no one should change his or her behavior based on these
findings. While the CKR-5 protein plays a role in infection by the strain of HIV-1 responsible for a
large majority of sexually transmitted AIDS, other proteins may serve as gateways for different
strains of HIV-1. such as types of the virus frequently passed among injection drug users through
the sharing of needles.
"Everyone, even people who have two copies of the altered CKR-5 gene, should
continue to exercise precautions to guard against HIV-1 transmission during sexual or other
activities in which they may be exposed to blood, semen or other body fluids," Koup says.
As part of the study, the team also found that the men's altered CKR-5 gene failed to
maintain its function in the immune system. Normally, the protein made by the CKR-5 gene
helps relay chemical messages between cells. However, lacking the CKR.5 protein has not
impaired the men's health, the scientists report.
"We were surprised that despite their altered genes, the two men were completely
healthy. It's good news," says Landau. "Apparently, you don't need the CKR-5 gene to be
healthy. This data also tells us that if drugs are developed to block the activity of the CKR-5
gene, they are likely to prevent AIDS and may not have adverse side effects."
Landau and Koup's coauthors include Rong Liu, Ph.D., William A. Paxton, Ph.D., Sunny
Choe, Scott Martin, Heidi Stuhlmann, Ph.D., Richard Horuk, Ph.D., and Marcy MacDonald, Ph.D.
Grants from The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and The National
Cancer Institute, both of the National institutes of Health, the Aaron Diamond Foundation, and the
American Foundation for AIDS Research supported the study. Koup is an Elizabeth Gaser
Scientist of the Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center for the City of New York is the largest private
HIV/AIDS research center in the world, with more than 50 scientists devoted to basic and clinical
investigations. The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center is affiliated with The Rockefeller University, a
New York City-based graduate institution specializing in basic biomedical research.