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Tuesday 6 December 2011

MVA-B - by LAW JIA JUIN



MVA-B is the latest HIV vaccine understudy and perhaps it is the most promising HIV drug in the future. It is actually a vaccine containing attenuated small pox virus with the addition of four HIV genes which are (Gag, Pol, Nef & Env) in a sequence of vaccina's genetic. The gag gene provides the basic physical infrastructure of the virus, and pol provides the basic mechanism by which retroviruses(consisting RNA) reproduce, while the others help HIV to enter the host cell and enhance its reproduction. But this gene had been weaken and suppressed from replicating. So when injected into the body they trigger our body immune system, providing a chance for our body lymphatic system to recognize the antigens on surface of HIV viruses. This will enable the T cells and B cells to recognize and learn to fight against HIV viruses. So in the future HIV may no longer be fatal and can be as common as hepatitis B disease.
PS: Too bad for the pharmaceuticals, a couple shots of vaccine are a lot cheaper than the massive drug cocktails they sell now.

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