Gene-editing unlocks hope for HIV cure
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In a groundbreaking advancement in medical science, researchers have made significant strides toward combating HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS.
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A man undergoes a screening for HIV in Monaco on November 25, 2015. (AFP)
Researchers assert they've wiped out HIV from infected cells through CRISPR gene-editing, honored with the Nobel Prize. CRISPR functions akin to molecular scissors, excising DNA to eliminate or render harmless problematic segments.
The objective is total virus eradication from the body, yet further investigation is essential to ensure safety and efficacy. While existing HIV therapies can curb the virus, they fall short of complete elimination.
Presenting their initial findings at a medical conference, the University of Amsterdam team underscored that their research is still in its infancy and not a definitive HIV cure.
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Dr. James Dixon from the University of Nottingham concurs, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
Other scientists, along with Excision BioTherapeutics, continue their endeavors, with three HIV patients displaying minimal adverse effects after 48 weeks.
Nonetheless, experts such as Dr. Jonathan Stoye from the Francis Crick Institute caution about the formidable task of eradicating HIV from all potentially infected cells and the potential for enduring side effects.
While effective treatments can suppress HIV, some dormant infected cells persist, posing a risk if treatment is discontinued.
Although isolated instances have indicated apparent cures following aggressive cancer therapy, adopting this method solely for HIV treatment is ill-advised.
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