Protein found in human body could inhibit progress of HIV

Chinese researchers say further work is necessary before clinical trial possible

Chinese scientists have identified a new protein that restricts HIV infection, a discovery that could pave the way for the development of new drugs against the virus.

The protein, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1), which exists in human cells, can inhibit the process by which HIV replicates, according to research published in the science journal Nature Microbiology this month.