An MIT-designed nanoparticle may help develop an HIV vaccine

New nanoparticles developed by engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can imitate the delivery of live virus vaccines in a safe and effective way, according to research published in the journal Nature Materials.

Vaccines for infectious diseases typically utilize dead or disabled forms of the viruses, but can be risky if scientists cannot prove that the strains used in vaccines are harmless.

However, the new particles contain concentric fatty spheres, which are capable of safely carrying synthetic versions of the proteins found in live viruses that draw strong immune responses.

This new development may aid in HIV vaccine research by allowing scientists an alternative to using potentially harmful forms of the real virus in patients.

A 2010 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that there are approximately 56,300 new cases of HIV in the U.S. every year and that 14,000 people die annually from HIV that progressed into AIDS.

HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases can be detected in blood samples. Individuals who would like to be tested may consider using online testing services.