There are 36 million people worldwide, including 1.2 million people from the United States who are victims of the HIV virus. Although the spread of the disease is continuously increasing, the scientists have still not been able to find a cure or treatment for AIDS permanently (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Following years of hard work, the scientists made a breakthrough in eliminating HIV infection from the T human cells in mice.
The brainchildren of this new discovery are Dr.Wenhui Hu of Temple University and his team, consisting of Laura H. Carnell, Won-Bin Young and Kamel Khalili. Researchers have been able to excise the HIV-1 virus using the “CRISPR/Cas9” genetic engineering technology. A virus is nothing other than a virus inactive, which usually occurs if it is embedded in the genes of a cell. The host cell in case of HIV is the CD4 cell within the DNA of the virus and replicated by multiplying the CD4 cells.
The study was carried out by injecting the HIV-1 virus into the three humanised mouse models containing human immune cells. The researchers greatly reduced viral gene RNA expression and employed CRISPR/Cas9 technique in T cells, where the viruses hide into the cell genome until their latter life stage. A single, quadruple sgRNAs/saCas9 AAV-DJ/8, which is an upgraded version of the adeno-associated viral vector, excised the virus in human cells. This virus is a disease-causing disease.
After the treatment, the researchers confirmed their research by using the live biolumine imagery to measure the level of RNA expression of viral genes. This is the first invention of the type that can be used to stop the HIV-1 multiplication and to remove the virus completely by using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach.
This can be a step forward in the success of an Eternal HIV Therapy when it comes to a permanent remedy.