Researchers Scrutinize Healthy Cell�Invading Protein in HIV

Scientists in Australia have examined exactly why humans are unable to create antibodies that can act as a natural defense against HIV.

A study published in the journal Nature on Monday highlights a protein on the surface of HIV, gp41, which helps the virus invade cells, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

"The gp41 component is the component that essentially punches a hole in the membrane or the surface of the cell and allows the virus to get in," said University of Melbourne professor Stephen Kent. "If we can prevent the HIV from getting into cells, then we'd have a great vaccine."

Early study of the protein showed that a small percentage of people (one in 1,000) can naturally resist the virus by developing an antibody against gp41. Most people, however, produce the antibody only after the virus has entered their cells and destroyed their CD4 cells.