SCIENTISTS have announced that they have successfully eliminated HIV from infected cells, using Nobel Prize-winning Crispr gene-editing technology.
According to media reports, the technology works like scissors at the molecular level and cuts the DNA so “bad” bits can be removed or inactivated.
They said they hope to ultimately be able to rid the body entirely of the virus. However, much more work is needed to check if it would be safe and effective since existing HIV medicines can stop the virus but not eliminate it.
Meanwhile, a research team from the University of Amsterdam, presenting a synopsis or abstract, of their early findings at a medical conference, stressed that their work remains merely “proof of concept” and will not become a cure for HIV any time soon.
Also, the team Lead, Dr James Dixon, Stem-Cell and Gene-Therapy Technologies Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, said: “Much more work will be needed to demonstrate results in these cell assays can happen in an entire body for future therapy.
“There will be much more development needed before this could have an impact on those with HIV.”
Note that HIV infects and attacks immune-system cells, using their machinery to make copies of itself. Even with effective treatment, some go into a resting, or latent, state – so they still contain the DNA, or genetic material, of HIV, even if not actively producing new virus.
Most people with HIV need life-long antiretroviral therapy. If they stop taking these drugs, the dormant virus can reawaken and cause problems again.
