Scientists make breakthrough in Aids battle

SCIENTISTS may have found a new weapon in the battle with the Aids virus, it was revealed yesterday.

Increasing the production of naturally occurring proteins that contain selenium in blood cells slows down the virus’s multiplication, biochemists said. Selenium is a micronutrient that the body needs to maintain normal metabolism. It becomes incorporated into proteins in the form of an amino acid called selenocysteine.

These proteins — selenoproteins — are especially important in slowing the spread of an infection, but are targeted by the HIV virus as it invades the body.