Gene Editing - A Possible Cure For HIV

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CRISPR Gene Editing Removes HIV DNA From The Genomes Living Animals

The research conducted by researchers of Temple University, USA, have shown that CRISPR-Cas9 is able to shut down and eliminate the replication of HIV from three animal models, including a 'humanised' mouse.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing technology which allows for permanent modification of genes.

Through a modified virus, CRISPR-Cas9 is delivered into the cells of infected mice. HIV RNA levels were then tested and HIV replication monitored in real time. Mice infected with EcoHIV (the mouse equivalent of human HIV-1) shows a 96% excision efficacy. The 'humanised' mice, where the mice carries latent HIV in the genomes of human T-cells, the infected cells no longer contain HIV DNA after a single treatment.

Understanding HIV Infection

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Upon infection, HIV inserts its genetic blueprint into the host's immune system cells. The infected cells then starts producing HIV proteins, which acts as a building block for new viruses.

While anti-retrovial therapy(ARV) helps reduce the amount of virus in the host, it cannot completely eliminate the virus. Some infected cells go into a latent stage, which can be hidden throughout multiple organs and tissues for the body. This provides latent reservoirs for infection.

Potential Hope for a Cure

With the success of this trial, the research team hopes to repeat the study in primates and eventually towards human clinical trials.

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Sources:
[1] Chaoran Yin6, Ting Zhang6, Xiying Qu6, Yonggang Zhang, Raj Putatunda, Xiao Xiao, Fang Li, Weidong Xiao, Huaqing Zhao, Shen Dai, Xuebin Qin, Xianming Mo, Won-Bin Young, Kamel Khalili', Wenhui Hu; 3 May 2014
In Vivo Excision of HIV-1 Provirus by saCas9 and Multiplex Single-Guide RNAs in Animal Models

[2] BioNews; 8 May 2017 - CRISPR gene-editing eliminates HIV in mice

[3] HIV & AIDS Resources:
AIDSinfo