Potential use of globins and their derivatives of abnormal red blood cells in the treatment of cancer and related immune disorders.

One of the most important 'antibodies' that nature has developed for malarial parasites can be used for treating cancer as well as diseases like AIDS. The globins and their derivatives of abnormal red blood cells (sickle cells and thalassemia), have evolved as a selective resistance to malarial infections. Plasmodium species of sporozoa, which parasitize red blood cells and proliferate at their cost are inhibited by these abnormal red blood cells. To test the validity of this hypothesis, the author carried out a preliminary Medline search from 1974 to 1991 to find out if persons suffering from sickle cell or thalassemia diseases are 'immune' to HIV infections and malignancies. Clinical investigations lend support to the hypothesis. A research scheme is suggested for the study of the role of these globulin derivatives as they effect the synthesis of genetic material related to cell proliferation.