Bee Venom Potential Key to HIV Cure

Bee venom may be the answer to defeating HIV

Lauren Santye, Assistant Editor
Publish Date: Tuesday, January 03, 2017

The toxin melittin, a peptide found in bee sting venom, could serve as a prophylactic against HIV when applied prior to sexual activity, according to a new study. This approach could potentially destroy HIV by creating holes in the envelope that surrounds the virus.

Although melittin can kill viruses, it is a cytolytic, which means it can destroy cells by increasing their permeability. Unfortunately, this negatively affects both the virus and important human cells, according to Itech Post.

The results of a study conducted by investigators from Washington University, found that by attaching melittin to complex nanoparticles, it allows the compound to selectively target HIV without affecting non-viral cells...