Biology Department Discovers Molecule Marker for HIV

Recently, the lab of Ken Williams, a professor in the biology department, discovered a molecule that serves as a marker for the HIV virus. This discovery is being recognized as one of the top biological and medical research projects in the world, according to the research library service, the Faculty of 1000, a website for researchers that provides ratings of and commentary on scientific research papers.

The research found that the CD163 molecule shed by monocytes and macrophages, types of white blood cells, during HIV infection increases in volume in HIV-positive patients, the team reported in the July issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases. In long-term HIV patients, this molecule remains even when anti-retroviral medication effectively reduces the presence of the disease.

This research indicates that the CD163 molecule could be a potential biomarker of HIV treatment effectiveness, and is viewed as the damage sustained by the brain, even after successful treatment.

"It's gratifying to see our research recognized by our colleagues at other institutions," said Tricia Burdo, a research assistant professor in the biology department, a member of the Williams lab, and lead author of the paper. "What's exciting is that the inclusion of the lab's work onCD163 in a highly respected database can help share this information with other researchers working in this critically important area."

The Williams lab works on understanding the role seemingly protective monocytes have on the progression of HIV and AIDS. This issue is increasing in importance – though mortality rates due to HIV-related diseases have decreased due to antiretroviral drugs, AIDS-related dementia is still prevalent, especially as patients live longer.

Monocytes pass the blood-brain barrier, which usually keeps levels low, during HIV infection. The lab studies these types of cells, as well as their more aggressive form, macrophages.

Burdo and Williams co-authored the research report with BC colleagues Patrick Autissier and Anitha Krishnan; Elkan Halpern and Eric S. Rosenberg, Massachusetts General Hospital Researchers; and Scott Letendre and Ronald J. Ellis, University of California San Diego researchers.