Cow vaccine study may help in AIDS fight

Students in the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre at Murdoch University are investigating the effects of immune deficiency viruses in cows that could lead to an AIDS cure.

The main immediate goal is to create vaccine for cows in Indonesia and Australia, but a breakthrough for human medical treatment is possible.

The research, being run by Professors Charles Woods and Graham Wilcox, involves students investigating the characteristics of two different viruses.

These viruses are Bovine Immune Deficiency Virus (BIDV), which has been detected in WA cattle, and Jembrana Disease Virus (JDV), which is found in Indonesia.

Professor Woods, who is visiting from the University of Nebraska, said there had been no long-term studies conducted on the effects of BIV in WA.

He added that the research was important because BIV is closely related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) and studying the cow virus can help scientists in finding ways to find a cure for AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

BIV affects the cows' immune system in a similar way to the effect of AIDS in people but does not affect people if they eat meat from an infected animal.

JDV affects cattle in Indonesia and is now recognised as a threat to that country's cattle and, indirectly, its rice industry.

Knowing the differences between the two viruses will help the students to find ways of creating vaccines to prevent further spread of bovine viruses.

Particular interest has been given to JDV which replicates very fast.

By isolating the genes which allow the virus to spread so quickly, a vaccine can be created to fight bovine viruses.

By studying both types, students will be able to modify both viruses genetically to create vaccines.

The method of delivering specific genes through the use of modified viruses, known as gene therapy, has applications for both animals and people.

"Gene therapy is a big deal," Professor Wilcox said.

He said genetically-modified vaccines were also more suitable for developing countries such as Indonesia because they did not require refrigeration like regular vaccines.

Field tests are already being carried out in WA and in Bali.

Professor Wilcox said he hoped that when the vaccine was created it would be produced commercially.

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