'Bubble Boy' Cured by Gene Therapy in UK

DrKyle writes "Another child with "Bubble Boy" disease aka ADA-SCID (adenosine deaminase deficiency causing severe combined immunodeficiency) has been cured by transforming bone marrow stem cells with the functioning gene. Normally toxic levels of adenosine build up in T-cells killing off those important cells required for a robust immune system. While not the first person cured, another successful case of gene therapy goes a long way in encouraging goverments to continue to fund genetic research."

Comments

Re:Important question

[Kraemahz]

See: Gene Therapy
Specifically this line:
"In theory it is possible to transform either somatic cells (most cells of the body) or cells of the germline (such as stem cells, sperm and eggs). All gene therapy so far in people has been directed at somatic cells, whereas germline engineering in humans remains only a highly controversial prospect. For the introduced gene to be transmitted normally to offspring, it needs not only to inserted into the cell, but also to be incorporated into the chromosomes by genetic recombination."

In order for the altered genes to be passed on the germline would have to be involved in the gene therapy process, which is considered making "designer humans" and thus frowned upon by biological conservatives (read: ethicists).