AIDS stands for "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome." AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV — the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When a human body is infected with HIV, it will work to fight the infection by making "antibodies," special molecules that are supposed to fight HIV.

        HIV remains a difficult target to stop because when it replicates, it does not do so perfectly and is thus continually changing. Scientists — like those at The Scripps Research Institute — have been studying HIV intensively to find ways to stop the onset of AIDS. The FightAIDS@Home Project is searching for drugs that can disable a key step in HIV's life cycle — specifically by blocking HIV-1 protease.

        Proteins are the basic building blocks in all of life's functions. Proteins are long chains of smaller molecules called amino acids. Enzymes are particular kinds of proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions. A protease ("pro-tee-ace") is an enzyme that is able to cut proteins apart at some point along the amino acid chain. For example, when you eat food containing protein, the protein molecules are cut apart into smaller amino acid molecules by proteases in your stomach. Your body can then use the amino acids to build the proteins it needs. While only a small percent of all of the proteins in an organism are proteases, they are very important in the proper functioning of its life processes.

        But not all proteases are good. HIV makes and uses a particular protease, HIV-1 protease, which it uses to make the virus's different proteins.

        This is where ligands play an important role. Ligands are small molecules that come from outside the cell that attach, or "bind," to pockets in proteins. These pockets are sometimes called receptors. You can think of a ligand binding to its receptor like a key fitting into a lock. The FightAIDS@Home Project is searching for ligands (drugs), which can attach to the HIV-1 protease receptor in a way that blocks its ability to function as an enzyme. This prevents the virus from spreading further in the body and developing into AIDS. Molecules that block HIV protease are called "protease inhibitors."

OK SO WHAT CAN I DO ?

        Simply donate the time your computer is turned on, but would normally lie idle, for projects that benefit humanity. Like a screensaver, grid technology is easy to use, safe and free. When you are ready to use your computer, the grid software will shut itself off until the next time your computer is idle. Your computer will help research by simulating the attachment process (docking) of many ligands to the HIV-1 protease and by using a computer program called AutoDock. The most promising ligands will be studied in more detail by scientists and should lead to better protease inhibitor drugs for controlling HIV and ultimately preventing the onset of AIDS. Just do it! Download the software.