Bee Venom Used to Kill HIV Virus

Bee Venom Used to Kill HIV Virus
Mar-11-13
Researchers have discovered a toxin in bee venom that damages the protective coating viruses and bacteria, opening the door to a gel that could be used by women to help prevent the spread of AIDS.

Bee venom contains a chemical called melittin that kills viruses by making holes in their protective coating. When creating the gel, the research team first encased the melittin in nanoparticles originally designed to deliver drugs. The team added molecular “bumpers” to nanoparticles, which allows the small AIDS viruses to enter (and be destroyed) while preventing entry by the larger, healthy cells.

Joshua Hood, the leader of the team, believes the gel could be easily adapted to act as a contraceptive. In its current form, it is useful to couples in which only one partner has HIV and who want to have children.

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[DISCOVERY.COM]
[WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY]
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