HIV eliminated in mice by way of CRISPR, according to study

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The research in curing AIDs (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) has made significant progress over the years. Now, scientists are successful in removing the HIV virus from mouse cells by way of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

TechCrunch reports that the study was first published on the Molecular Therapy journal. It detailed how the research team completely annihilated HIV using CRISPR with just one treatment.

CRISPR/Cas9 is a method of editing parts of the genome by removing, adding and altering sections of the DNA sequence. Using this, the scientists were able to chop up HIV-1 DNA and prevent the virus from replicating.

However, the team notes that the study is not yet a permanent solution and is still in its early days. If the findings are replicated, the scientists could move to human trials.

Dr. Khalili, co-author of the study stated, “The next stage would be to repeat the study in primates, a more suitable animal model where HIV infection induces disease, in order to further demonstrate elimination of HIV-1 DNA in latently infected T cells and other sanctuary sites for HIV-1, including brain cells.”

“Our eventual goal is a clinical trial in human patients,” said Dr. Khalili. Alfred Bayle/KI

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