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MSU helps discover protein that may prevent HIV

Dr. Yong-Hui Zheng photo
Courtesy photo
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MSU Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics

A Michigan State University research team has helped identify a protein that may show some promise in the fight to eliminate HIV infection. We talk with Dr. Yong-Hui Zheng from the MSU Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and local journalist and HIV activist Todd Heywood.

There’s some new movement in the fight against HIV infection. A team of Michigan State University researchers has helped to identify  a protein that appears to stop the virus from replicating. It’s doubtful the term Endoplasmic Reticulum Class One will ever be the household terms that HIV and AIDS have become over the last 30 years, but the protein may one day be part of clinical trials that might lead to a cure.

At the same time, the World Health Organization has released new guidelines for the prevention and treatment of HIV.

Current State talks about these advances with Dr. Yong-Hui Zheng, an associate professor with the Department of  Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at MSU and part of the team that helped discover the protein, and Todd Heywood, an HIV activist and journalist here in the Lansing area.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
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