Plant-based compound may inhibit HIV
George Mason University research
29-Jul-2013 - A compound found in soybeans may become an effective HIV treatment without
the drug resistance issues faced by current therapies, according to new research by George Mason University
researchers.
It's in the early stages, but genistein, derived from soybeans and other plants, shows promise in inhibiting
the HIV infection, says Yuntao Wu, a professor with the George Mason-based National Center for Biodefense and
Infectious Diseases and the Department of Molecular and Microbiology.
Still, that doesn't mean people should begin eating large amounts of soy products. "Although genistein is rich in several plants such
as soybeans, it is still uncertain whether the amount of genistein we consume from eating soy is sufficient to inhibit HIV," Wu says.
Genistein is a "tyrosine kinase inhibitor" that works by blocking the communication from a cell's surface sensors to its interior.
Found on a cell's surface, these sensors tell the cell about its environment and also communicate with other cells. HIV uses some
of these surface sensors to trick the cell to send signals inside. These signals change cell structure so that the virus can get
inside and spread infection.
But genistein blocks the signal and stops HIV from finding a way inside the cell. It takes a different approach than the standard
antiretroviral drug used to inhibit HIV.
"Instead of directly acting on the virus, genistein interferes with the cellular processes that are necessary for the virus to infect
cells," Wu says. "Thus, it makes the virus more difficult to become resistant to the drug. Our study is currently it its early stage.
If clinically proven effective, genistein may be used as a complement treatment for HIV infection."
Wu sees possibilities in this plant-based approach, which may address drug toxicity issues as well. Because genistein is plant-derived,
it may be able to sidestep drug toxicity, a common byproduct of the daily and lifelong pharmaceutical regimen faced by patients with HIV
to keep the disease at bay, Wu says. Typically, patients take a combination of multiple drugs to inhibit the virus. The frequency can
lead to drug toxicity. Plus, HIV mutates and becomes drug-resistant.
Wu and his team are working at finding out how much genistein is needed to inhibit HIV. It's possible that plants may not have high
enough levels, so drugs would need to be developed, Wu says.
Wu's research is feeling the financial squeeze these days due to sequestration and budget cuts within the National Institutes of
Health, he says. His lab has turned to novel ways to fund the HIV research, including the genistein project. A bicycle ride
dubbed NYC DC AIDS Research Ride raised money for Wu's lab a few years ago and has stepped up its efforts with a new fundraiser.
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Other George Mason researchers on the genistein project include Jia Guo, Taban Rasheed, Alyson Yoder, Dongyang Yu, Huizhi Liang,
Fei Yi and Todd Hawley.Xuehua Xu and Tian Jin from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Rockville, Md.,
and Binhua Ling from Tulane University Health Sciences Center are also working on the research.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields.
Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the
most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree
programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and
performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate
change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the
modern, public university. George Mason University-Where Innovation Is Tradition. www.gmu.edu
Contact: Michele McDonald
mmcdon15@gmu.edu
703-993-8781
George Mason University
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