Researchers find new pathway for HIV invasion of cell nucleus
HIV virus (yellow) infecting a human cell © Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash A study published earlier this month in the journal Nature Communications has identified a new pathway that human immunodeficiency virus uses to enter the nucleus of a healthy cell, where it can then replicate and go on to invade other cells.
The researchers also identified three proteins that are needed for the virus to carry out the invasion and have in turn synthesized molecules — potential drugs — that can target one of the proteins, potentially leading to new treatments for AIDS.
Aurelio Lorico, MD PhD, professor of pathology and interim chief research officer at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, is senior author of the study.
Lorico said in a press release, “We have revealed a protein pathway that appears to have a direct impact on diseases, which opens up a new area for potential drug development.” HIV infection requires the virus to enter a cell and gain access to the well-guarded nucleus in order for the viral components to be integrated into the healthy cell’s DNA the press release explained, adding that “how the viruses get past the protective membrane is not well understood and is the subject of much debate.” The pathway newly identified by Lorico and his team begins with: “HIV entering a cell wrapped inside a membrane package, called an endosome.
