Hey guys, I was reading around the web and I found some cool news about Gene Therapy. You can find numerous articles with a simple google search, so for now I'll omit a link. bare/bear with me if this has already been discussed in some form.
As you know in 2000 or 2001(somewhere in there) scientists succeeded in mapping the massive expanse that is the human genome. Although we now know where all genes in human DNA are, we don't necessarily know what they do. However, imagine: going to a clinic and coming out with a different hair or eye color. Imagine: taking your 14 year old autistic son to the doctor, and coming out with a completely normal teen aged boy. Such is the power of gene therapy. This is still a widely developing field, and many current forms have horrible side effects. (naturally)
Let's digress for but a moment. Last year (whether you know it or not) german clinicians successfully CURED the human immunodeficiency virus, otherwise known as HIV, the virus which causes Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The process involved a bone marrow transplant to a leukemia patient (who also had HIV). This particular marrow however, contained an incredibly rare mutation(found in less than one percent of the entire population of Europe) which makes that person impervious to most strands of HIV. Although scientists had known of this mutation for some time, they had no idea if it could be implemented in a cure. Although this is a cure for the virus(some articles will claim that it is not known if the patient's HIV was actually eradicated, but to the date, HIV can be found no where in his system) it is not a practical one, as 1/3 of all bone marrow transplants are fatal to both parties, and the mutation is so very rare.
This is where gene therapy comes in. There is a gene, just like anything else, that makes human beings susceptible to HIV. This gene is called CCR5. Possessing this gene enables HIV to gain a foothold into your Tcells. Scientists now have the power to remove this gene. Without the gene, human cells become impenetrable to HIV. Human trials have already started(at the beginning of this year) and the results, although not astounding, are very much visible: lower viral loads, and an increased white blood cell count in infected members of the trials. The process involves removing T cells from the patient, and clipping their CCR5. The cells are then injected back into the patient, where they naturally divide and multiply in the system. This time, immune to HIV. This was only the first trial, and the scientists behind it say that the next ones will involve a larger amount of T cells removed, and a more precise target area in which they are re-injected. If this therapy can be perfected, ultimately I believe it will cure HIV. In the mean time, combined with anti retroviral drug therapy people living with HIV/AIDS will be given a new lease on life, the virus(although not eradicated) will be held firmly in check. Also this gene therapy has NO side effects, a rarity in the field. The anti retroviral drug cocktails which hiv patients currently must endure cause horrible side effects due to the toxicity of the pills.
Is anyone else as amazed by this as I am? Do u think this could end in a true cure? I suppose only time will tell.
But one thing everyone should know is that:
HIV/AIDS is a scourge of the human world.
It does not just attack the body, it attacks the mind and soul
It does not only kill you, it kills the people you love.
