Researchers Successfully Cut HIV DNA Out of Human Cells

mrspoonsi sends word that researchers from Temple University have managed to eliminate the HIV-1 virus from human cells for the first time. "When deployed, a combination of a DNA-snipping enzyme called a nuclease and a targeting strand of RNA called a guide RNA (gRNA) hunt down the viral genome and excise the HIV-1 DNA (abstract). From there, the cell's gene repair machinery takes over, soldering the loose ends of the genome back together – resulting in virus-free cells." While antiretroviral therapy can treat people who are infected with HIV, the immune system is incapable of actually removing the virus, so this is an important step in fighting it. The researchers still have to overcome the problem of delivering the the genetic "toolkit" to each affected cell in a patient's body, and also HIV's high mutation rate.

Delivery method

[Anonymous Coward]

"The researchers still have to overcome the problem of delivering the the genetic "toolkit" to each affected cell in a patient's body"

Solution: Use the HIV virus itself

http://www.scripps.edu/news/press/2014/20140626torbett.html

"Viruses infect the body by inserting their own genetic material into human cells. In gene therapy, however, scientists have developed “gutted” viruses, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), to produce what are called “viral vectors.” Viral vectors carry therapeutic genes into cells without causing viral disease. Torbett and other scientists have shown that HIV vectors can deliver genes to blood stem cells."

The irony in this solution would be over 9000.