Key HIV gene discovered
{{date|January 9, 2005}}

Researchers from the Argentinian Garrahan Hospital, the [http://www.conicet.gov.ar CONICET] ''(National Scientific and Technical Investigations Council)'' , the [http://www.uthscsa.edu/ University of Texas], and the [http://www.whmc.af.mil/ Wilford Hall Medical Center] discovered that quantities of a specific immunological gene in humans (CCL3L1) may have an effect on the contraction and development of [[Wikipedia:HIV|HIV]] and [[Wikipedia:AIDS|AIDS]].

According to the investigation, individuals with fewer copies of the gene are more prone to contract the virus in case of direct contact. Each additional copy of the gene reduced the chance of infection by 5-10%, according to a [http://www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/singleformat.asp?newID=1309 press release] from the study's leader, Dr. Sunil Ahuja of the University of Texas.

The study is based upon the analysis of blood samples from 4308 subjects, including 800 children at Garrahan Hospital, located in [[Wikipedia:Buenos Aires|Buenos Aires]], [[Wikipedia:Argentina|Argentina]]. The gene may act upon "blocking substances" that are inside cells and have an important role in preventing infections, including the one brought on by [[Wikipedia:HIV|HIV]]. Those cases which presented less quantities of this gene had a higher index of [[Wikipedia:HIV|HIV]]+ infections, while the rest appeared to be more resistant.

The research was detailed in a paper published on January 6, 2005, through Science Magazine's online service, Science Express.

==External links==
* [http://www.clarin.com/diario/2005/01/06/um/m-899512.htm Key HIV gene discovered] ''(in Spanish)''.
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15637236 The Influence of CCL3L1 Gene-Containing Segmental Duplications on HIV-1/AIDS Susceptibility] ''Paper citation on PubMed,'' January 6, 2005.
* [http://www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/singleformat.asp?newID=1309 Number of copies of immune-response gene linked to HIV/AIDS susceptibility] ''Press release from laboratory of study's first author,'' January 7, 2005.

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[[Category:Argentina]]
[[Category:United States]]
[[Category:Health]]
[[Category:Science and technology]]
[[Category:Genetics]]
[[Category:North America]]
[[Category:South America]]
[[Category:Buenos Aires]]
[[Category:Biology]]
Researchers from the Argentinian Garrahan Hospital, the  CONICET (National Scientific and Technical Investigations Council) , the  University of Texas, and the  Wilford Hall Medical Center discovered that quantities of a specific immunological gene in humans (CCL3L1) may have an effect on the contraction and development of HIV and AIDS.

According to the investigation, individuals with fewer copies of the gene are more prone to contract the virus in case of direct contact. Each additional copy of the gene reduced the chance of infection by 5-10%, according to a  press release from the study's leader, Dr. Sunil Ahuja of the University of Texas.

The study is based upon the analysis of blood samples from 4308 subjects, including 800 children at Garrahan Hospital, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The gene may act upon "blocking substances" that are inside cells and have an important role in preventing infections, including the one brought on by HIV. Those cases which presented less quantities of this gene had a higher index of HIV+ infections, while the rest appeared to be more resistant.

The research was detailed in a paper published on January 6, 2005, through Science Magazine's online service, Science Express.
Argentina United States Health Science and technology Genetics North America South America Buenos Aires Biology