Scientists say they have successfully eliminated HIV from infected cells, using the Nobel Prize-winning Crispr gene-editing technology.
Working like scissors, but at the molecular level, it cuts DNA leading to bits being removed or inactivated.
According to them, the aim is to ultimately be able to rid the body entirely of the virus, noting that much more work is needed to check if it would be safe and effective.
Existing HIV medicines can stop the virus but not eliminate it.
Dr James Dixon, stem-cell and gene-therapy technologies associate professor at the University of Nottingham, agrees with this assessment, insisting that the full findings still require scrutiny.
“Much more work will be needed to demonstrate results in these cell assays can happen in an entire body for a future therapy.”
“There will be much more development needed before this could have impact on those with HIV.”he said.
However, Dr Jonathan Stoye, a virus expert at the Francis Crick Institute, in London, said removing HIV from all the cells that might harbour it in the body was “extremely challenging”.
“Off-target effects of the treatment, with possible long-term side effects, remain a concern,” he said.
HIV is a virus that infects and attacks immune-system cells.
Chinedum Anayo