Sugar-binding protein may play a role in HIV infection
Published 2011-06-16 · Original archive entry · Explore research explainers
Though it is known that PDI inhibitors can prevent HIV infection, just how this happens has remained a mystery. And though it has been known that PDI, which normally lives inside the cell, can become entrapped on the cell's surface, it has not been understood how this happens.
Now, in a new study, UCLA researchers report that a sugar-binding protein called galectin-9 traps PDI on T-cells' surface, making them more susceptible to HIV infection.
IMPACT: The findings could lead researchers to a potential new target for anti-HIV therapeutics, such as therapies to inhibit PDI or galectin-9.
INFORMATION:
AUTHORS: Shuguang Bi, Patrick W. Hong, Benhur Lee and Linda G. Baum, all of UCLA
JOURNAL: The research appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (http://bit.ly/jko3Me).
FUNDING: The National Institutes of Health supported the study.
Now, in a new study, UCLA researchers report that a sugar-binding protein called galectin-9 traps PDI on T-cells' surface, making them more susceptible to HIV infection.
IMPACT: The findings could lead researchers to a potential new target for anti-HIV therapeutics, such as therapies to inhibit PDI or galectin-9.
INFORMATION:
AUTHORS: Shuguang Bi, Patrick W. Hong, Benhur Lee and Linda G. Baum, all of UCLA
JOURNAL: The research appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (http://bit.ly/jko3Me).
FUNDING: The National Institutes of Health supported the study.
END