47.揭开艾滋病病毒的奥秘 哥伦比亚大学和达纳一法贝尔癌症研究所的研究人员率先查明了一种散布于艾滋病病毒包衣上的蛋白质的结构。这种叫做gp120的蛋白质可以与人体免疫细胞上的接受器匹配结合,就像是钥匙和锁一样,从而使病毒进入人体细胞。既然科学家了解了这种“钥匙”的结构,他们或许可以研制出能够把“锁”卡死的新型药物或疫苗。(网址:www.hhmi.org) 47. Uncovering the mysteries of the virus Researchers at Columbia University and the Dana-Faber Institute for Cancer Research pioneered the structure of a protein spread across HIV coatings. The protein, called gp120, binds to a receptor on the body's immune cells, just like a key and lock, allowing the virus to enter the body's cells. Since scientists understand the structure of this “key,” they may be able to develop new drugs or vaccines that can “lock” the lock. (Website: www.hhmi.org)