German scientists have created an exciting new enzyme that may be the first step in finding a cure for the HIV virus. “A customized enzyme that effectively excises integrated HIV-1 from infected cells in vitro might one day help to eradicate virus from AIDS patients” says Science Magazine. A group of German scientists are currently experimenting with an enzyme called Tre that has been able to able to remove the HIV-1 virus from infected cells in about three months in a laboratory setting.

“The enzyme is still far from being ready to use as a treatment,” one scientist told Forbes Magazine. The danger of the HIV virus is that it uses the human body as a factory to reproduce itself. In an effort to avoid detection it can become dormant for months — even years, says researchers.

The challenges now lie in finding the dormant strands. “Although favorable results would represent perhaps only a baby step toward eventual use in patients, the discovery of the Tre recombinase proves that enzymatic removal of integrated HIV-1 from human chromosomes is a current-day reality,” said one researcher to Forbes.

Tags:enzyme, Forbes, German scientists, HIV, Science Magazine

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Matt Falber is the Editor-in-Chief of Real Gay L.A. Matt was formerly an editorial assistant at Frontiers Magazine. He served as a regular contributing writer for Frontiers for two years and also wrote for IN Los Angeles, its sister publication. Matt has a flare for the arts and when we don't have him chained to his desk, he can be seen singing and acting in various L.A. venues.
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