(NEW).

HOPES RAISED ON HIV IMMUNE BOOST.

Scientists believe successful tests in monkeys could prove a new type of drug to combat HIV.

The journal Nature reports infected animals survived almost twice as long after a single treatment to raise immune response to the virus. An independent expert said multiple doses were possible, and might eliminate the virus. Current antiretroviral drugs must be taken for life, giving HIV the opportunity to build up resistance. Although millions of people without HIV can't currently receive them, modern antiretroviral drugs have transformed the life expectancy of people with the infection. However, scientists are constantly looking for alternative ways to keep the virus in check. One option is being tested in the US on macaque monkeys infected with "simian immunodeficiency virus" - their equivalent of HIV. One of the features of HIV is its ability to impede the body's own methods for clearing viral infections.In particular, it manages to activate a signalling system in the body's immune cells - which then actually stop the body's immune response.The latest treatment works by blocking that signalling system, which has the effect of boosting the function of "killer" immune cells.

In this new I have learned the meaning of:

- Currently: actuality.

- Features: charactheristics.

- Boost: an increase.

BBC.