Scientists have edited the genes of living mice and removed them from HIV

A group of scientists removed the DNA from the HIV genome of living mice, using gene editing system CRISPR. The rodents survived. It is too early to call the new method of treatment of one of the most problematic diseases of our time. But the fact that it worked in the live animal, opens up many new possibilities. For example if the CRISPR system to work for other serious diseases such as cancer? It is possible, but this issue needs to be further explored.

How exactly conducted the study?

The team used three different types of mice for their experiments. The first type was infected by latent HIV hidden in the cells of a living being, the second is actively propagating virus. The latter was grafted with human immune cells, including lymphocytes with latent HIV. The problem of treatment of the virus is that HIV can hide in immune active cells which should, in theory, to oppose him.

To implement CRISPR in mice, not subjected to attacks their immune function, the researchers attached the system to the AAV virus. They usually do not cause the protective reaction of the organism. As a result of replication of new virus system successfully eliminated HIV. But it is necessary to ensure that CRISPR simultaneously destroyed as the HIV DNA and healthy parts of the genome. Therefore, the next stage of the experiment will be testing a new method on primates, the genes are much closer to human.

Source: CNET