By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Researchers at St. Louis University are taking part in a worldwide clinical trial of what they say is the most promising HIV vaccine ever produced.
The experimental vaccine stimulates the production of so-called T-cells that kill HIV-infected cells.
It is hoped the vaccine will not only prevent infection, but also slow down the progression of HIV to AIDS.
St. Louis University's Dr. Sharon Frey says the vaccine is the best product ever to come out of two decades of research, but she's reticent to say it will lead to a cure.
"If this vaccine pans out, then I can say it would be just a matter of years," Frey said. "If it doesn't pan out, then we're starting over again."
The four year study will recruit 1,500 male volunteers in North America, South America, the Caribbean and Australia.