HIV: Scientists Hopeful Over Resistant Cells

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

Scientists have genetically engineered key cells in the immune system to resist infection by HIV.

US researchers used molecular scissors to cut and paste HIV-resistance genes into T cells, the specialised immune cells that are targeted by the Aids virus.

The genetic editing prevented HIV from entering the cells and then going on to destroy the immune system, according to the study published in the journal Molecular Therapy.

Sara Sawyer, an assistant professor at the University of Texas-Austin said: "Providing an infected person with resistant T cells would not cure their viral infection.

"However, it would provide them with a protected set of T cells that would ward off the immune collapse that typically gives rise to Aids."

The work was done in a laboratory and clinical trials would be needed to confirm that gene therapy was safe and effective in patients.

But the researchers warn that they don't yet have enough control over the molecular scissors to guarantee they cut the genetic material in the same place every time.

If they caused a break elsewhere, the technique could result in cancer.

Nevertheless, the scientists hope to start clinical trials within three to five years.

If the technique is successful, it could save patients from life-long dependence on antiretroviral drugs, which can have side effects.

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