The University of Hong Kong: the human gene with SARS nemesis

The University of Hong Kong's most recent study found that a gene to human homozygous function, in addition to help deal with the SARS virus, to treat other terminally ill great enlightenment.

According to Hong Kong media reports, the University of Hong Kong for the first time, according to a sample of SARS confirmed that the human body a natural gene L-SIGN, effective decomposition, eradication of virus, resulting in a reduction of 3% infection rate. Pathological mechanism due to the SARS and bird flu, AIDS, researchers believe that taking it can stimulate L-SIGN hyperplasia, or through blood test selection L-SIGN gene strongly doctors take care of these patients, can help prevent the spread of the disease.

This paper published in the journal nature gene study report notes that every body have L-SIGN. It is a way to "sucked" virus, then the virus decomposition and then destroy the protein molecules. One of the greatest, a researcher at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of medicine, Associate Professor, Department of surgery, Lam Chan pointed out by patriarchal and matriarchal L-SIGN gene, if the parent, the length of the matriarchal L-SIGN gene, that is, call it consistently homozygous, can set "sucked" SARS virus, prevent SARS virus attack healthy cells. Southern Chinese about 56% of the population belongs to a homozygous, Westerners only 4%.

In a real case study also confirmed a homozygous antiviral capacity. HKU on 285 SARS patients study found that only 4% is homozygous, far below the normal 56% of homozygous, proved a homozygous for the risk of human infection with the SARS are not homozygous low.

Although a homozygous is inherent to the acquired non-cannot be converted to a homozygous homozygous, HKU scholars point out that the number of L-SIGN can make use of drug control, the correction of some drugs, to effectively stimulate L-SIGN accretive to enhance human "sucked" virus's ability to fight more deadly viruses.

This research also on pathology and SARS-like avian influenza, HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis and Ebola virus treatment, have serious implications. Lin Chan believes that this research will provide the basis for treating other diseases, and can help the sector to formulate public health policies. The hospital through a simple blood test program will be able to determine whether the medical staff, and then pick a homozygous homozygous staff take care of the sick and help prevent infection of health care professionals.

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