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HIV Receptor Binding Protein
Dear Dr. Handsfield,
From my extremely basic knowledge of how the human immunodeficiency virus actually works, I understand it has receptor-binding proteins that attach to specific types of human white blood cells, in order to 'get into the cell' and do what it does (so to speak) to replicate. Do these specific types of cells exist within the 5 layers of the human epidermis? I ask this because there is debate among my co-workers (who provide HIV Health Education to the public) that a hangnail is a point of potential entry into the body for HIV. I sincerely appreciate your expert information on the matter. Thank You.
From my extremely basic knowledge of how the human immunodeficiency virus actually works, I understand it has receptor-binding proteins that attach to specific types of human white blood cells, in order to 'get into the cell' and do what it does (so to speak) to replicate. Do these specific types of cells exist within the 5 layers of the human epidermis? I ask this because there is debate among my co-workers (who provide HIV Health Education to the public) that a hangnail is a point of potential entry into the body for HIV. I sincerely appreciate your expert information on the matter. Thank You.
Then post in his forum and not here and for your infomation Lizzie Lou is more qualified than you and your co-workers.
I don't really care if you believe my story or not. My question was for Dr. Handsfield. Not you or anyone else in this forum. I found a UK research study that talks specifically about where the cells in the human body that contain the specific protein receptors HIV needs to invade a cell. The physician made a statement about skin and lung cells not containing those specific cells and that is the basic point of my question.
Again, if I have posted this question in the wrong forum, I apologize, but I saw other questions posted that a doctor responded to and I thought that this was the correct place to post my question.
I will certainly look elsewhere - if all that is available here is information from nonqualified individuals like yourself.
Again, if I have posted this question in the wrong forum, I apologize, but I saw other questions posted that a doctor responded to and I thought that this was the correct place to post my question.
I will certainly look elsewhere - if all that is available here is information from nonqualified individuals like yourself.
have to say that i dont believe your "story" (not that it matters)
anyway...a hangnail is NOT a point of entry and if your co-workers, who provide hiv education to the public, dont know this...then they need to find something else to do ! ! !
anyway...a hangnail is NOT a point of entry and if your co-workers, who provide hiv education to the public, dont know this...then they need to find something else to do ! ! !
Thank you for your helpful response to my posted question. I am unsure where better to have posted it as it is a question for a doctor related to HIV. The only 2 Forums listed were HIV Prevention and HIV International. We receive many calls from people asking about breaks in the upper layers of skin and the risks associated with HIV. The answer to my question will help my colleagues and I provide accurate information to the public regarding HIV transmission, prevention and testing.
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