Possible New Treatment for HIV/AIDS

An article published on November 7, 2014 states that scientists at Harvard Stem Cell Institute have used a gene editing method to create what could be an effective technique for blocking HIV from invading and destroying patients' immune systems.

HIV enters T cells through the gene receptor CCR5, and once it is inside the T cell, HIV replicates and kills off the host cells, leaving patients at the risk of infection.

Using the CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology, the scientists removed the CCR5 receptor from blood stem cells that could produce blood cells that did not have CCR5.

In theory, gene edited stem cells could be introduced into HIV patients through a bone marrow transplant to make immune systems HIV-resistant, and the researchers believe this new approach to HIV therapy might be ready for human safety trials in less than five years.

However, even if this new approach works perfectly, it will require additional developments to be applicable in the areas of the world that have been the hardest hit by the epidemic.

For instance, 26% of the adult population in Swaziland is affected by AIDS. Swaziland has been marred by political and civil unrest. As a result health services are poorly equipped, so even if this new technology is commercialized it is unlikely that it will be available in the countries that need it the most.