Researchers from St George's, University of London have recently discovered a new protein that can kill the HIV virus when used as a microbicide. Even more promising - the team suggests how if might be possible to manufacture this protein in large enough quantities that could make it affordable for the thousands of people infected by the virus in the developing countries throughout the world.

"We desperately need to control the spread of HIV, particularly in developing countries," said Julian Ma of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at St. George's and the senior researcher involved in the work. "A vaccine is still some way off, but microbicides could provide a more immediate solution, provided we can overcome major hurdles of high efficacy, low cost, and wide availability—all of which we address in this study."

The research team combined two protein microbicides (b12 monoclonal antibody and cyanovirin-N) into a single "fusion" molecule - and demonstrated that this new molecule is more effective combating HIV than either of its individual components. The team went on to design synthetic DNA for producing the new molecule, and introduced the DNA into plant cells. They were successful in growing the transgenic plants, and were able to extract and prepare the microbicide using the leaves - a major step towards mass production.

The research is published online in The FASEB Journal: http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/fj.09-131995v1

"This study is nothing short of a breakthrough—not only does it yield a new drug to fight the spread of HIV, but it also shows us how we can produce it on the scale necessary to get it into the hands of those who need it most," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "Unlike their unregulated counterparts in the dietary supplement industry, these scientists are using the engines of nature to manufacture pharmaceuticals that must undergo extensive safety and efficacy testing long before the first gel or cream is administered."