HIV cell breakthrough

HIV cell breakthrough

US scientists have made a breakthrough in eradicating HIV in the body by genetically engineering immune cells (T-cells) to make them HIV-resistant.

The finding was presented by University of Pennsylvania gene therapy expert Carl June at an AIDS conference in Boston this week, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Researchers found that in nine HIV-positive patients, when blood was taken and a single gene was removed from T-cells (and the blood was then returned to the body), the T-cells could no longer make the protein HIV is attracted to, thus halting its spread.

The altered T-cells then multiply in the body, so the body builds up a resistance to HIV.

Researchers found the method of creating HIV resistance in T-cells was successful in all nine patients and said the results show promise.

You May Also Like

2 responses to “HIV cell breakthrough”

  1. This is a positive move forward but this was theoretically possible decades ago, but now it gives real hope. Most of these small studies take an enormous amount of time and millions of dollars in funding. Australian Scientist can do these techniques but need money (millions) and unfortunately funding for research is limited. Hopefully there will be trials here soon.

  2. Sounds like an excellent breakthrough, I have been HIV po for 29 years,I am now 54, will there be any trials on offer in Australia? thanks Keith