The WHO (World health Organization) estimates that 35 million people have died from AIDS. HIV is the virus responsible for weakening the immune system and hindering its capacity to fight disease.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV, however, there are antiretroviral treatments that allow people living with HIV lead regular lives.
IS THERE HOPE FOR CURE?
YES!
This year, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh announced they have developed treatment which allowed them to engineer certain immune system cells, to reactivate HIV cells that contain inactive HIV, thereafter, using another set of engineered immune system cells to attack and remove cells, which were reactivated with HIV. These findings could provide the possibility of an HIV vaccine.”(Healthline)
Secondly, According to Womens health, Scientists at Temple University Nebraska medical center recently publicized a breakthrough in HIV cure research, The findings were published in the Nature Communications Journal. Using “humanized” rats, scientists were able to eradicate the HIV from the DNA of the mice, this may be a step towards developing a cure.
HOW WAS THE VIRUS REMOVED ?
1. Scientists administered LASER ART treatment to a group of infected humanized mice
2. The Treatment was slowly released to mice over few weeks
3. At final stage, A gene editing tool, CRISPR-CAS9 was used to remove the remaining HIV cells
4.The gene editing technology allowed scientists to remove HIV chromosome entirely
THE FUTURE
What this means for the future of HIV treatment is astounding. It means eviction of infected cells and tissues can be achieved. These studies provide realistic pathways towards creating strategies for HIV eradication. Scientists are pleased and could commence clinical trials by next year!!
