Eliminating every trace of the virus from cells thanks to the use of molecular scissors could be one new anti-HIV therapy. One studio carried out in the Netherlands at the University Medical Center of Amsterdam published the results on its use in the treatment of an infection Crispr-Cas gene editing technique.
New anti-HIV therapy: it will still take years, but the turning point is important
«We are faced with a extremely significant step in research” argued the researchers, although they warned that there remains a long way to go to move from theory to practice. The results, defined as extremely encouraging, however give rise to hope for a future possible definitive cure per this infection which still affects many people.
What is gene editing?
Crispr-Cas gene editing technology is among the most important discoveries of scientific research in recent years. In 2020 the Swedish Academy awarded its inventors, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, with the Nobel prize for chemistry.
This method it is literally revolutionizing the field of molecular biology. In fact, it allows us to intervene extremely precisely on certain genetic mutations in living organisms, including humans. Practically allows you to delete parts of genes to treat various diseases.
New anti-HIV therapy: Dutch research
The researchers working at the research center in the Netherlands they “cut” HIV DNA from infected cells. This action facilitates the deletion of unwanted genes or the introduction of new genetic material into an organism’s cells, paving the way for advanced therapies.
The research group used various Crispr-Cas systems to understand which one was best suited to their purpose, that is, eliminating the virus. The most efficient was the SaCas9, which was capable of make HIV completely inactive, thanks to the removal of its DNA.
The reservoirs where the virus hides thanks to the new anti-HIV therapy have also been affected
But there’s more. Scientists have managed to target the hidden reservoirs of the virus, which represent one of the main problems of anti-HIV treatments. This virus integrates its genome into the person’s DNA, making its elimination very complicated. That’s why the antiretroviral therapy it is essential, but permanent. The virus can in fact reappear from the existing reservoirs in which it hides during therapy,