Mason Biology Professor leads research team in HIV breakthrough

(GMU website)

Yuntao Wu

George Mason University researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how HIV infects healthy T-Cells.

The previously unknown process has been examined and studied for over ten years by Yuntao Wu, a Mason professor of molecular and microbiology.

Since joining Mason in 2003, Wu has based his research on Mason’s Prince William campus. 

Wu, along with his fellow researchers, were recently able to discern the mysterious process by which the HIV virus “hijacks” healthy T-Cells and destroys them.

Our research “really helps scientists understand why this virus kills the helper T-Cells,” said Wu.

Scientists can look at his team’s discovery and will hopefully be able to develop a therapy to treat HIV, said Wu.

Wu, and his fellow researcher’s findings, were published in the April 2011 edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, reported Science Daily.

The research has been funded through grants and has cost over $1 million in four years, but according to Wu, further funding is needed.

“We can really go faster and go deeper if we have more money and expand our study,” said Wu.

He believes that his team’s breakthrough will help attract more sponsors and subsequently help him further research the deadly virus.

Wu and his team hope to begin clinical trials but the Prince William campus is not equipped for that type of research.

The research team may seek collaborations with nearby hospitals in Fairfax, or reach out to other Virginia universities with medical schools.