Mutation

Came across a very interesting article about a specific genetic mutation. This New York Times Article talks about a genetic variation called a SNP and how it once protected Africans from a parasite known as Plasmodium vivax. As people without this SNP were at a selective disadvantage, they died out and so did the parasite, only to be replaced by a stronger parasite.

Now, researchers have found that this SNP causes a conformational change in the surface configuration of the receptor protein. Instead of the receptor being complementary in shape to the intended hormone (CCL5), it now is complementary in shape to the HIV virus. However, a large concentration of CCL5 in the bloodstream prevents infection. So while these select individuals are more susceptible to HIV, the virus progresses slowly through their bodies.

Hopefully this will lead to a major breakthrough in understanding the HIV virus. Hopefully.