Compounds Discovered the HIV Virus Killer

Zhilei Chen, assistant professor at A & M University in Texas who collaborated with the Scripps Research Institute, resulting in a large study with PD 404.182 discover compounds that can kill the HIV virus, causes AIDS. His discovery was published in the journal of the American Society of Microbiology this month. "This is a small compound is virusidal, that has the ability to kill the virus, in this case HIV. In essence, this virus works by opening a virus," Chen said as quoted by Medical Xpress, Thursday (11/24/2011). "We found when these compounds are in contact with HIV, the virus's genetic material is damaged and lost. In this case, the virus 'soluble' and its RNA (HIV genetic material) are exposed. Because RNA is unstable, once exposed will disappear quickly and viruses can not infect, "added Chen. Even more surprisingly, this compound acts directly attacking the inside of the virus, rather than the protein in the capsule wall. This is good news because then, the virus is difficult to evolve to develop resistance. The discovery that these compounds can kill the HIV virus is actually accidental. At first, Chen wanted to test the effectiveness of PD 404.182 to fight the virus hepatitis C. But after testing on HIV, it compounds it work more effectively. With this invention, Chen believes that the compound could be developed for preventive efforts, such as in a useful form of vaginal gel prevents HIV infection through sexual intercourse. Chen proved that when in contact with vaginal fluids, this compound will remain effective. Because the virus attacks the inside of the capsule, not a membrane, Chen also convinced of this compound is safe human use. The majority of compounds virusidal work on the outer membrane of the virus capsule characteristics similar to human cell membranes that could be damaging.