Study explains HIV’s ability to beat immune system

New research finds that a particular protein on the surface of the human immunodeficiency virus allows it to enter human cells before they can form antibodies, ABC News reports.

According to a study published in the journal Nature, in allowing the virus to break rapidly into cells, the efficiency of the protein - called gp41 - explains the disease’s ability to outpace the body’s immune system.

Other recent studies have determined that a small portion of HIV-positive individuals, roughly 1 in 1,000, are able to fight the virus naturally. This new study declared that their immune systems specifically target the gp41 protein, the media outlet said.

Study author Stephen Kent wrote that the protein may be the key to developing a vaccine against HIV one day.

Currently there is no cure for HIV. Individuals in whom the disease progresses to AIDS may suffer from any number of unchecked infections, from pneumonia to tuberculosis and lymphoma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those concerned that they have contracted HIV or another STD may consider exploring online testing services in order to determine the state of their sexual health. The CDC estimates that more than 56,000 Americans contract the disease each year.