Chinese scientists lead breakthrough in HIV research

published on November 7, 2013 in China Daily

Chinese scientists together with US experts have determined the high-resolution structure of one of two gateways HIV uses to get into the human immune system, which could help develop better HIV drugs in the future.

The research was led by scientists from Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the study result was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Science.

CCR5, a receptor on the surface of human cells, is one of two main entry points the HIV virus uses to initiate its attack on the human immune system. By binding to the receptor, an HIV protein can fuse to the cell membrane beneath, ultimately digging its way inside the cell.

Both CCR5 and CXCR4 belong to a family of proteins called G-protein-coupled receptors, or GPCRs, which mediate a range of functions in the body and are thus important drug targets.

Wang Hongyi in Shanghai
China Daily
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© Copyright BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
St. Paul's Hospital 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
Tel: 604-806-8477 | Fax: 604-806-9044
General inquiries: info@bccfe.ca
Media inquiries: communications@bccfe.ca
(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

Our work serves clients and communities across British Columbia on lands and waters cared for and nurtured by the many distinct First Nations across the province. The BC-CfE humbly and gratefully acknowledge the stewards of these lands, particularly the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded, traditional and ancestral territories our offices are located.