Researchers Modify T-Cells, Make Them HIV Resistant

DieNadel writes to share that naturally occurring proteins called "zinc fingers" are being used in a new approach to AIDS treatment. Using modified T-Cells with the zinc fingers, researchers at the Pennsylvania School of Medicine have shown a reduction in viral load in mice. "'By inducing mutations in the CCR5 gene using zinc finger proteins, we've reduced the expression of CCR5 surface proteins on T cells, which is necessary for the AIDS virus to enter these immune system cells,' explains first author Elena Perez, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Penn. 'This approach stops the AIDS virus from entering the T cells because it now has an introduced error into the CCR5 gene.'"

Comments

Re:Barclay's Protomorphosis Syndrome

[Anonymous Coward]

Haven't we learned not to modify T-Cells already?

This isn't informative; it's from star trek. mod as insightful or funny.

Messin around with T-Cells a bad thing?

[Darkk]

I have to wonder by modifying the T-Cell will it screw up the immune system? Mutate it to do something else? I think the only true way to control HIV problem is through education and prevention. If people are stupid enough to have unprotected sex with an unknown partner then it's their problem. Also, this re-enforces the nature of being faithful in a relationship so stop screwing around people!!