Gene Transfer Immunizes Against Monkey HIV Analog 104
Al writes "Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have immunized monkeys against the simian immunodeficiency virus, the animal model that is closest to HIV. They did so by shuttling a gene into the monkeys' muscles, making the muscle cells produce antibody-like molecules that work against SIV. With both SIV and HIV, the chameleon-like mutability of the virus's surface changes so quickly that most antibodies made by the immune system are soon rendered ineffective. Philip Johnson and colleagues designed DNA sequences for two antibodies known to be effective against SIV. They used antibody-like molecules, called immunoadhesins, in which the functional part of an antibody is fused with a more stable section of another antibody. The same approach could be used to deliver antibodies that are effective against HIV, but which the body doesn't normally produce."
that's good news.... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:that's good news.... (Score:5, Funny)
I'm waiting to see what they can do with Monkey HIV Digital.
Another cure? (Score:3, Funny)
At last... (Score:1, Funny)
...all of my hard work preparing for the zombie invasion will soon pay off.
Waste of money (Score:2, Funny)
In just a few years we'll be forced to upgrade to Monkey HIV Digital, which will make Monkey HIV Analog look like crap anyway.
Re:Waste of money (Score:5, Funny)
I am not a sciency guy break it down for me please (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Waste of money (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah, you're probably one of those people that insist on spending a fortune on glass syringes with exotic wood plungers and gold-plated needles, because they feel healthier.
Re:that's good news.... (Score:5, Funny)
Monkeys, write your congressman!
Good news for monkeys (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Whoa there, reporter cowboy. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:End run around non-protective responses (Score:3, Funny)
floppy sections of their variable regions that allowed them to reach down to contact hidden epitopes
Best. Euphemism. Ever.
Re:that's good news.... (Score:5, Funny)
unprotected monkey sex, sharing heroin needles, and participating in HIV related research as test subjects
I miss college.
Re:that's good news.... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:and yet... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Waste of money (Score:3, Funny)
Whoa I'm not letting a doctor come anywhere near me with something called a "Monster Needle" no matter how much better he says the fidelity is.
Re:Great news for those who can't walk upright... (Score:2, Funny)
This is some sort of reference to George Bush's arguably incomplete ancestral path from monkey to human, right?
Re:Don't virii evolve extremely quickly? (Score:5, Funny)
'Some places' like Vatican City?
Do it right kids, use a condom! [brainflower.com]
Re:Whoa there, reporter cowboy. (Score:1, Funny)
So, Michael Jackson is using the username "feepness" here on Slashdot. Who'd a thunk it?
Re:Good news for monkeys (Score:3, Funny)