Tiny ion is crucial for HIV replication, say chemists

January 24, 2023

by Louise Lerner, University of Chicago

A study by chemists at the University of Chicago has uncovered a new key step in the process that HIV uses to replicate itself.

The study, published Jan. 6 in Science Advances, used computer modeling to focus on how HIV forms a capsule that carries its genetic material—in particular, the role of a particular ion known as IP6. Scientists had previously suspected IP6 has an important function but didn't know exactly how it worked.

The theory may explain aspects of the success of a promising new drug, as well as point the way to other treatments. Replicating replication

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