Tick Fights HIV

Researchers have discovered that a protein found in deer tick saliva may help fight HIV.

When a person is under attack from bacteria or viruses, his or her immune system takes charge to fight the invaders.

Specific cells called T-cells are actively involved with the search for and destruction of the invaders. The HIV-1 virus however, attaches to and destroys T-cells.

The researchers in the study found that the protein, Salp15, binds to T-cells preventing HIV-1 from being able to attach to them.

For additional information, see:

• Protein In Deer Tick Saliva Prevents HIV-1 From Attaching To T Cells (Science Daily)