Scientists, including one of Indian-origin, have identified a human protein that weakens the immune response to HIV and other viruses. New discovery may help improve antiviral therapies, create viral vaccines and may lead to new cancer treatments. <br/><br/>Sumit Chanda, from Sanford-Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) in US said that the host protein NLRX1 is responsible for HIV infection and works by repressing the innate immune response.<br/><br/>Increasing evidence suggests that mounting an early, potent innate immune response is essential for the control of HIV infection, and may improve the effectiveness of vaccines. The findings were published in the journal Cell Host and Microbe.