While there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, our scientists are working double time to find a solution for it, and here’s yet another breakthrough in our search for a cure for the deadly disease, published in the journal PLoS Pathogens.
In 2009, scientists from University of California Los Angeles were able to grow T lymphocytes (or cells that fight infection) from human stem cells that were genetically altered. This year, they were able to further engineer the cells to seek out for cells that were infected by HIV and kill them.
Breakthrough in HIV Research
Introducing these T cells to lab mice with human genes, they found out that after two to six weeks, the level of HIV in the body decreased, plus the number of T cells have increased. The scientists, however, pointed out that HIV mutates slower in humanized mice than it does in humans. This discovery is significant because it demonstrates the potential for genetically engineered T cells to target and eliminate HIV-infected cells, which could be a game-changer in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The process involves taking human stem cells and genetically modifying them to produce T lymphocytes that are specifically programmed to identify and destroy HIV-infected cells. These engineered T cells are then introduced into the body, where they seek out and kill the infected cells. This method not only reduces the viral load but also boosts the immune system by increasing the number of T cells.
Potential for Future Treatments
“We believe that this study lays the groundwork for the potential use of this type of an approach in combating HIV infection in infected individuals, in hopes of eradicating the virus from the body,” according to lead scientist Scott G. Kitchen. This statement underscores the importance of this research in paving the way for future treatments that could potentially cure HIV/AIDS.
The implications of this research are vast. If these engineered T cells can be successfully adapted for use in humans, it could lead to a new form of therapy that targets the virus more effectively than current treatments. Current antiretroviral therapies (ART) can control the virus but cannot eliminate it from the body. The engineered T cells, however, offer a potential pathway to not just control but eradicate the virus.
Moreover, this approach could be combined with existing treatments to enhance their effectiveness. For example, patients undergoing ART could also receive infusions of these engineered T cells to help clear the remaining infected cells that ART alone cannot eliminate. This combination therapy could potentially lead to a functional cure, where the virus is reduced to undetectable levels and kept in check by the immune system without the need for continuous medication.
The research also opens up possibilities for tackling other viral infections and diseases. The same principles used to engineer T cells to fight HIV could be applied to other viruses, such as hepatitis C or even certain types of cancer. This could revolutionize the way we approach treatment for a variety of diseases, making it a versatile and powerful tool in medical science.
In conclusion, while there is still much work to be done, the progress made by scientists at the University of California Los Angeles represents a significant step forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The ability to engineer T cells to specifically target and kill HIV-infected cells offers hope for a future where the virus can be eradicated from the body. As research continues, we may one day see a world where HIV/AIDS is no longer a deadly disease but a manageable condition, or even a thing of the past.
via Gizmag
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