Comment by John S. James
AIDS Treatment News
A November 7 press report ("All-Purpose Drugs Are Being
Tested," by Jeff Donn, The Associated Press) surveyed some
of the work being done on finding drugs to treat many
diseases -- the opposite of the traditional "magic bullet"
approach of targeting only one particular bacterium or
virus.
Many of these "all purpose" potential drugs work by
strengthening the immune system -- especially innate
immunity, which is less well understood that the more
familiar "adaptive" immunity involving T-cells (with which
the body quickly produces a customized response to a
particular invader, hopefully in time to cure the illness).
Invertebrate animals survive and fight infection with only
innate immunity.
Some of the approaches now being studied have long been
used in traditional or "alternative" medical treatments.
Others are far from ready for human test.
The AP story mentions:
Certain cytokines and peptidoglycans that may stimulate
natural immunity. These approaches are being examined as
possible defenses against bioterrorism, including anthrax
or smallpox. If they work, they might have great impact on
more routine medical practice as well.
"Androstene steroids" to block the action of cortisone
(according to the reporter's writeup, which we have not yet
checked further).
Ways to correct the immune-system damage caused by
exposure to nuclear radiation. Success here might lead to
ways of strengthening the immune system in HIV, malaria,
and other diseases.
A drug that acts like the popular supplement NAC (N-
acetylcysteine) may help treat certain bacterial toxins, by
reducing free-radical damage.
Old remedies based on silver are now getting scientific
study, after one consistently worked as well as
tetracycline in laboratory tests against certain bacteria.
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The new focus on bioterrorism will greatly stimulate
research on immune-based treatments, neglected traditional
medical approaches, and on completely new approaches as
well.
It will bring in new people and resources, and move
with urgency and serious support -- no longer at the
leisurely pace of academic medical journals, or under the
commercial short-term focus on already-proven profit areas.
Here is the urgency we have long sought but seldom found.
The AIDS community should pay close attention.
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Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Republican House Outlaws Stem Cell Research
U.S. at Risk of Biological, Chemical Attacks
The Bioterror in Your Burger
Related Sites:
AIDS Treatment News
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