New hope for HIV-immunisation
By Marietta Gross - Scoop Media Auckland.
Genetically engineered cells made resistant against HIV-strain Scientists have succeeded in engineering cells resistant
to the HI-Virus. For the first time the cells that are responsible for the growth of the human immune system, were
genetically engineered to be resistant against the most common HIV-strain. But the results will not work for every
patient, report scientists from Sangamo BioSciences in New Scientist magazine.
The scientists based their work on blocking the HI-Virus from infecting cells. The virus uses the surface of a carrier
protein, the CCR5, to enter human cells. Some people produce a mutated, shortened form of CCR5, which doesn’t get onto
the surface of the cell.
These people display more resistance against HIV-infections and show more resistance against developing symptoms.
Researchers have now proved that it is possible to induce a similar mutation within human cells. The scientists say
their findings reveal new approaches that could be used to fight HIV.
ENDS