Sunday, March 10, 2013

Study: Bee Venom Can Kill HIV « CBS St. Louis

Study: Bee Venom Can Kill HIV « CBS St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (CBS St. Louis) — Researchers have found a new way to combat HIV – bee venom.
The study, conducted by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine, shows that the toxin melittin found in bee venom destroys HIV while leaving the surrounding normal cells unharmed.
“Melittin on the nanoparticles fuses with the viral envelope,” Dr. Joshua Hood said in a press release. “The melittin forms little pore-like attack complexes and ruptures the envelope, stripping it off the virus.”
Researchers believe this finding can lead to a vaginal gel that can prevent the spread of HIV.