Scientists working in South Africa say they have identified a gene that controls the human body's response to HIV. 
 
The researchers say the gene determines the body's response to infections.

The study published in the journal Nature helps to explain why some people have a natural resistance to the virus.

Phillip Goulder, who led the study, says identifying the genes takes researchers a step closer to finding a vaccine for HIV.

He believes that the starting point for making a vaccine is to find out what the problem is, in what areas the immune response is being successful in controlling a virus. The scientist stressed that in order to make the vaccine, human beings need to understand what to put into it first.

(CRI December 10, 2004)