U.S. Scientists Discover Antibodies That Neutralize Most AIDS Strains

An HIV-positive child with an activist in Shymkent, Russia

Medical researchers in the United States say they have discovered two powerful antibodies that neutralize more than 90 percent of all known strains of the HIV virus in laboratory conditions.

The team of scientists, led by the National Institutes of Health, discovered the antibodies, known as VRCO1 and VRCO2, that prevent most HIV strains from infecting human cells.

The discovery is a potential breakthrough for advancing the design of an HIV vaccine, as well as antibody therapy for other diseases.

The research is published in the July 9 issue of the journal "Science."

compiled from agency reports