THE unnatural union of two molecules could provide a new way to treat AIDS
and prevent HIV infection.
By linking a viral protein to bacterial DNA, Anthony Horner and Eyal Raz of
the University of California, San Diego, and their colleagues have created a
bizarre molecule not normally seen in cells. This hybrid is very effective at
stimulating immunity in mice. “The immune response has the elements you’d like
to see for an ideal HIV vaccine,” says Horner.
Protein vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, which
target free viruses in the blood. But most experts believe immunity against…
