HIV research have come a long way since the beginning of the epidemic with newer and newer treatments being discovered and administered. However, a classic drawback on novel medications is the virus's ability to develop newer drug resistance strains against the treatment. This is largely due to the virus's high genetic variability, fast replication cycle, and high rate of mutation.

New hope arises from an unlikely source, the soybean. New evidence from the George Mason University researchers suggests that a compound found in soybean may become an effective treatment in inhibiting HIV infection without creating resistance strains so commonly found in classic HIV treatments. Genistein, a compound found in soybeans and other plants, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. This compound works by blocking the communication system between the cell's exterior surface with the interior. On the cell's exterior surface are sensors that gather information of the cell's environment. These sensors will then communicate with the cell's interior portion. The cell will then use this information to create proteins or stop creating proteins, depending on the needs of the cell given the state of its environment.

The HIV virus exploits this system for its own good. It will use the exterior sensors to send false signals and trick the cell into changing its cell structure in order to make it easier for the virus to enter and infect the cell. Genistein brings a new approach in combating HIV infection. It will act on the cell, blocking this false communication and prevent the virus from entering into the cell. Where most antiretroviral treatments work against the virus, genistein acts on human cells. Thus, resistance against genistein should be low.

Research with genistein is still in the beginning stages. It is still unclear on how much of the compound is needed to be effective and whether or not daily consumption of soybeans would be sufficient enough to make a difference in preventing HIV infection. Most likely, genistein would need to be isolated and concentrated into higher levels in pill form in order to be deemed effective. If proven to be sufficient in preventing HIV infection, it can serve as a compliment treatment and lessen the load of antiretroviral treatment.  This, in turn, will reduce drug resistant strains and lessen the pressure of creating new drug treatments.