Study finds HIV’s structure tricks antibodies

The surface of the human immunodeficiency virus contains decoy molecules that temporarily fool human immune cells, X-ray crystallographers have discovered.

A research team at Duke University examined the surface proteins on the virus and determined that one, an area often attacked by human antibodies, actually comes in two versions.

The area, called the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of gp41, contains two different surface proteins, one of which reportedly acts as a decoy, drawing away antibodies long enough for HIV to enter human cells and replicate.

They added that this decoy system may account for HIV’s ability to slip by the human immune system’s early-response cells long enough to cause an infection.

Further research into the MPER may lead to more effective treatments for HIV, the researchers concluded. In the meantime, they said, partly because of this ability, HIV cannot be fought off or cured once contracted.

Those concerned that they have HIV or another sexually transmitted disease may consider using online testing services to assess the state of their sexual health. More than 56,000 Americans contract HIV each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.