Badpuppy Gay Today

Tuesday, 22 April 1997

In the past week announcements from principal AIDS research battlefronts are pointing in similar directions, toward key enablers used by H.I.V. Researchers now claim that the exact mechanism used by the virus to infect cells has been located. These findings, however, are not cause for immediate rejoicing, though they will provide much knowledge valuable in the pharmaceutical drug-design world. It is conceivable, say the researchers, that such designs could lead to a vaccine that would block infections.

The new findings have significance in an arena larger than H.I.V. Other viruses as well could be blocked because they have been found to use the same or a similar enabling mechanism.

Scientific teams from Harvard University including Dr. David Chan and Whitehead Institute's Dr. Peter Kim, made nearly same-moment announcements of the findings. Cornell University Medical College crossed the finish line too, a fast-moving third. A high resolution picture of the protein fragment that helps the virus invade human cells was made through X-ray crystallography to plumb the core shape of the fusion-mediating segment. The startling images show a small, six-helix bundle marked with deep cavities.

"Until we saw the images, we didn't know these cavities existed," said Dr. Kim.

Because the virus mutates, changing pieces of protein which it cleverly presents to outside regions, there has thus far been no antiviral drugs that target the envelope protein. Now new possibilities lie in view.

Against the backdrop of these scientific advances the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has reported "great concern" about a draconian North Dakota bill recently signed into law "making it the first state to legalize the confinement of people suspected of having H.I.V. According to the law, emergency personnel, including police officers, firefighters, patients, health care workers and others may secure a court order confining individuals to whose blood they have been "significantly" exposed. Persons may be confined up to five days and no criminal charges need be filed to be imprisoned."

"This is one of the most chilling and dangerous laws enacted this year," said Kerry Lobel, NGLTF executive director. "It flies in the face of accepted medical and public health policy regarding H.I.V. This law will do more harm than good to the people of North Dakota."

Critics of the new law say that the fact that H.I.V. tests of others does not determine one's own H.I.V. status seems to have been lost on North Dakota law makers and the governor. The law goes into effect July 1. For further information The NGLTF recommends calling Keith Elston of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) of the Dakotas (701) 255-4727.