Scientists map
3-D structure of HIV

U.K. scientists report that they've mapped the 3-D structure of HIV for the first time, giving scientists a much better understanding of which pieces of the virus are most vulnerable to immune system attacks and antiretroviral drugs, BBC News reports. Reporting in the January 10 edition of the journal Structure, the Oxford University genetic researchers say they used computers to assemble the 3-D image from more than 100 individual images of 70 separate virus samples.

The images showed that HIV's core is cone-shaped and extends to the very edges of the viral membrane. The membrane also has several spikes along its surface that it uses to attach itself to immune system cells.

The researchers hope their findings will help scientists better understand how HIV replicates and enable them to craft new therapies to prevent cellular infection and shut down viral replications in cells already containing the virus. (Advocate.com)