Enzyme found that
deteriorates HIV

Scientists have found a way to remove HIV from infected cells after German researchers engineered an enzyme that attacks the virus's DNA then cuts it out of the affected cell. The enzyme is still in its early development stages, according to Fortune magazine, and not yet usable for treatment.

According to the data in a study released Thursday, it took three months for the enzyme, called Tre, to eliminate the virus from the infected cells.

"Numerous attempts have been made to activate these cells, with the hope that such strategies would sensitize the accompanying viruses to antiviral drugs, leading to virus eradication," Alan Engelman wrote in Science magazine about the findings. "Advances with such approaches in patients have been slow to materialize."

While there are still significant roadblocks ahead in developing the enzyme--safe delivery, administering the drug with low side effects--researchers are optimistic that Tre and other enzymes could be used to target various parts of HIV's DNA, eventually killing the virus. (The Advocate)