National News

IISc develops artificial enzymes to block HIV reactivation

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers developed artificial enzymes to block reactivation and replication of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) in the immune cells, said the premier institute on Thursday.

Sentinel Digital Desk

BENGALURU: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers developed artificial enzymes to block reactivation and replication of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) in the immune cells, said the premier institute on Thursday.

"Made from vanadium pentoxide nanosheets, the artificial enzymes or nanozymes work by mimicking a natural enzyme that helps reduce oxidative stress levels in the host's cells to keep the virus in check," said a study by two researchers at the institute.

Microbiology department's associate professor Amit Singh and inorganic and physical chemistry department's professor Govindaswamy Mugesh conducted the study, which was published in "Embo Molecular Medicine" journal.

As there is no process to remove HIV from a patient's body, anti-HIV drugs only suppress the virus but not eradicate it (HIV) from infected cells. (IANS)