This gene-editing technology lets scientists cut HIV out of cells
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Scientists at the University of Amsterdam say they’ve removed HIV from infected cells and their method may one day be able to cure patients of HIV. They used CRISPR, a Nobel prize-winning gene-editing technology. It acts like microscopic scissors, cutting DNA at the molecular level so that ‘bad’ bits can be removed.
Scientists at the University of Amsterdam have successfully removed HIV from infected cells using CRISPR gene-editing technology. This method holds promise as a future cure for HIV patients.
Here's what you need to know about CRISPR
CRISPR acts like microscopic scissors, precisely cutting DNA at the molecular level. This allows scientists to remove unwanted genetic material, in this case, targeting and eliminating HIV from the infected cells.
The Amsterdam team emphasizes that their method is still in the "proof of concept" stage. Extensive research and development are needed before CRISPR can be a viable gene therapy for HIV patients.
HIV: A global challenge
An estimated 39 million people worldwide live with HIV, with a significant concentration in Africa. While there is no widely available cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively suppresses the viral load, making HIV a manageable long-term condition.
CRISPR gene-editing offers a potential future cure, and its significance is reflected in its recognition as one of the World Economic Forum's Top 10 Emerging Technologies.
