Researchers currently hypothesize a possible link between the gradual decline in use of the smallpox vaccination after eradication and the sudden rise in cases of HIV in Africa. After taking the white blood cells from individuals recently vaccinated by smallpox and examining their behavior in response to HIV, they found that HIV replication rates were five times lower than in normal white blood cells. Hence, they hypothesize that the smallpox eradication efforts may have had a role in stemming the rise of HIV in Africa for decades.
A potential explanation for this finding is the possibility that smallpox-inoculated individuals have long-term impacts on their immune system, such as lower rates of the CCR5 expression necessary for the spread of HIV.
While it's too early to call the smallpox vaccine a true answer to our HIV problems, the research provides further evidence in the role of receptors in the spread of the notoriously debilitating illness.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8686750.stm
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