Supercomputer Simulations show new target in HIV-1 replication
Scientists from the group found the naturally-occurring compound a hexakisphosphate (IP6) promotes both assembly and maturation of HIV-1. We discovered, in collaboration with other researchers, that HIV uses this small molecule to complete its function. This is a molecule that's extremely available in human cells and in other mammalian cells. HIV has evolved to make use of these small molecules present in our cells to essentially be infectious. Our study was published in the journal Nature in August 2018.