HIV GENE BREAKTHROUGH

Scientists have identified a gene that can determine whether a person contracts HIV or develops Aids. The gene, called RANTES, can significantly increase an individual's chances of being infected with HIV. But it has also been found to slow down the progression from HIV to Aids. The discovery has lead to hopes that scientists may be close to discovering why some people are immune to disease and why others are more susceptible. This in turn could assist scientists who are working on HIV treatments and possible cures. Researchers in the US suggest that if they could develop a drug that mimicked the gene they could stop HIV from developing into Aids for many people. They discovered that tiny differences in the RANTES gene, which is part of the immune system, can double a person's susceptibility to HIV. However, the same variation also means that an individual infected with HIV will take about 40% longer to develop Aids. The study is published in the Journal of Aids, BBC reports.