The scientists, led by Professor Robin Offord from the University of Geneva, hope to use the research to develop a treatment to combat the virus.
Around the world, heterosexual sex has become the most common way in which HIV is spread. Now, scientists have identified a specific part of the cells lining a woman's vagina that HIV binds to during infection.
For animal tests, they developed a chemical that blocked this gateway and so prevented the virus from entering the cells. The tests were conducted in a small group of macaque monkeys. Human trials are still some way off, but the scientists hope they could lead to the development of a HIV-blocking cream.
By Professor Rat 15 October 04
