Some People Show Natural Immunity to HIV

11.01.2010 | By: T. B.

Scientists have discovered that some people are born with perfect immunity to the virus HIV.

Some people are already safe from AIDS. (jlp)

Europeans and Asians have the best immunity to HIV

Scientists first became alert to the phenomenon when they found out that some prostitutes in Africa, who were exposed to HIV virus daily, didn't become infected.

The roots of immunity to HIV reach centuries back into the past where AIDS didn't exist. The diseases battled by our ancestors play an important role in our immune system and decide whether our genes will allow the virus HIV to attack our body. The strongest resistance to the virus was discovered in Europeans and in people who come from Central Asia.

This fact can significantly contribute to finding a cure for AIDS. Exploring the genes of people who effectively resist HIV could help determine a successful therapy for all patients. The common denominator of those who show the highest immunity to HIV is a pair of mutated genes on both chromosomes, which prevent the development of receptors on their cells that would allow the penetration into the cell. You have to inherit the mutated gene from both of your parents in order to develop complete immunity. If you inherit only one, you're more immune than most people, but you aren't completely immune. Scientists believe that gene mutation happened as a result of immunity to some other disease. Opinions differ on which disease that could be.

Will we ever be able to stop fearing the infection with the virus HIV? (jlp)

What do these facts mean for everyone?

As we've mentioned, these facts can hopefully guide scientists to find a vaccine against AIDS. There is also a possibility of genetic testing with which we could determine our personal immunity to HIV. Until then and even after that, condoms shall remain our loyal companions that protect us from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Once again it was proven that those who claim there's a natural cure for every disease are absolutely right. Every riddle contains a solution somewhere inside it. Let's hope that scientists will help us find this solution for everyone.