Research on Dying Bats Gives Insight Into AIDS

Show similar immune system response to humans

While studying bats who suffered from the fatal 'white nose syndrome,' researchers may have gained insight into the AIDS virus. Studies show that even bats who survived 'white nose' later died because of their own aggressive immune response; after fighting off the fungus, their immune systems then attacked their own healthy cells and tissue, leaving their bodies and wings tattered. Known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), the same reaction is seen in people with AIDS. Now, researchers are hoping they "can look closely at the mechanism driving this intense response in bats and potentially get insight into this phenomenon in humans," says one. Potentially, new treatments for AIDS could be developed based on the findings. (Newser)

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