New hypothesis links smallpox vaccination and HIV

Smallpox immunization may confer protection against HIV, say researchers who suggest that the end of smallpox vaccination in the mid-20th century may have caused the rapid contemporary spread of HIV. The new theory, published in BMC Immunology, notes that vaccinia immunization, as given to prevent the spread of smallpox, produces a five-fold reduction in HIV replication in the laboratory.

In the study, Raymond Weinstein, a scientist at George Mason University in Virginia, together with a team of researchers from George Washington University and UCLA, looked at the ability of white blood cells taken from people recently immunized with vaccinia to support HIV replication compared to unvaccinated controls.

They found significantly lower viral replication in blood cells from vaccinated individuals. “There have been several proposed explanations for the rapid spread of HIV in Africa, including wars, the reuse of unsterilized needles and the contamination of early batches of polio vaccine. However, all of these have been either disproved or do not sufficiently explain the behavior of the HIV pandemic. Our finding that prior immunization with vaccinia virus may provide an individual with some degree of protection to subsequent HIV infection suggests that the withdrawal of such vaccination may be a partial explanation,” explained Weinstein.

Smallpox immunization was gradually withdrawn from the 1950s following the worldwide eradication of the disease, and HIV has been spreading exponentially since approximately the same time period. Weinstein proposes that vaccination may confer protection against HIV by producing long term alterations in the immune system, possibly including the expression of a certain receptor, CCR5, on the surface of a person’s white blood cells which is exploited by both viruses.

“While these results are very interesting and hopefully may lead to a new weapon against the HIV pandemic, they are very preliminary and it is far too soon to recommend the general use of vaccinia immunization for fighting HIV,” cautioned Weinstein.

Related:
HIV non-progressors have super-charged T cells
Chemical in bananas inhibits HIV infection
Gonorrhea set to attain superbug status
Size does matter, say condom boffins

Source: BMC Immunology

, ,

Comments are closed.

ShadowHawk (# 9 ) #2 ULTRA RARE DOUBLE COVER ERROR 1 OF A KIND HIV/ AIDS STORY picture

ShadowHawk (# 9 ) #2 ULTRA RARE DOUBLE COVER ERROR 1 OF A KIND HIV/ AIDS STORY

$150.00



"HIV Discoverer" Robert Gallo Signed 10X8 Color Photo Todd Mueller COA

$399.99



HIV Is An STD Lettered Ribbon Pin Red & Mint Green picture

HIV Is An STD Lettered Ribbon Pin Red & Mint Green

$19.99



RARE

RARE "HIV Discoverer" Robert Gallo Hand Signed TLS Dated 1995 Todd Mueller COA

$279.99



Novam  brass ornament w24kGold And Enamel finish 2005 HIV/AIDS edition. picture

Novam brass ornament w24kGold And Enamel finish 2005 HIV/AIDS edition.

$25.00



Vtg 1990s gay lesbian interest Flyer or sticker - AIDS, benefits, cause picture

Vtg 1990s gay lesbian interest Flyer or sticker - AIDS, benefits, cause

$27.20



Dr Anthony Fauci signed autographed $2 dollar bill COVID-19 Ebola HIV/AIDS picture

Dr Anthony Fauci signed autographed $2 dollar bill COVID-19 Ebola HIV/AIDS

$29.95



Dr Anthony Fauci signed autographed $1 dollar bill COVID-19 Ebola HIV/AIDS picture

Dr Anthony Fauci signed autographed $1 dollar bill COVID-19 Ebola HIV/AIDS

$24.95



AIDS HIV Africa  Health S1316 SD01 35mm Slide picture

AIDS HIV Africa Health S1316 SD01 35mm Slide

$14.00



RARE

RARE "HIV Discoverer" Robert Gallo Signed 10X8 Color Photo Todd Mueller COA

$399.99



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes