Chinese scientists have unveiled a new gene-editing therapy that they say could lead to a functional cure for HIV, making it one of the most promising developments in decades of global research.
The discovery comes from a team at Wuhan University of Science led and Technology by Gu Chaojiang which has spent years working on a way to eliminate the virus rather than simply suppress it.
The new method uses engineered exosomes which are tiny biological particles that cells naturally use to communicate, as delivery vehicles for the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas12a.
These exosomes are designed to travel directly to HIV-infected cells. Once inside, the Cas12a system searches for the virus’s genetic material and cuts it into fragments, disabling its ability to replicate.
One of the major advantages of this approach is its ability to target latent reservoirs of HIV, the hidden pockets of virus that standard antiretroviral therapies cannot reach.
These dormant forms of the virus are the main reason why HIV cannot currently be cured and why patients require lifelong medication.
The Chinese team’s technology was able to attack both active and latent forms of the virus in laboratory tests.
In early-stage experiments, the therapy was tested on HIV-infected mice and on blood samples from human patients.
Researchers reported that some mice became completely virus-free, while others showed a sharp drop in viral levels.
The treated immune cells displayed strong recovery, offering further evidence that the virus had been effectively neutralised.
The research team says the therapy has passed ethical review in China and has moved into the clinical research phase.
While this represents a major step forward, scientists caution that success in animals does not guarantee the same results in humans.
More testing is needed to evaluate long-term safety, effectiveness and the therapy’s ability to reach every viral reservoir in the body.
If the results hold up in clinical trials, the breakthrough could transform HIV treatment worldwide.
It would shift the goal from lifelong viral suppression to long-term functional cure, eliminating the need for continuous medication.
For now, global health experts view the development as a significant milestone and a sign of renewed momentum in the search for a permanent solution to HIV/AIDS.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near...
The United Nations' top human rights official has called for independent investigations into deaths in U.S. immigration detention facilities, citing a...
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead a...
An aircraft roughly the size of a car crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper on Friday evening, triggering a major emergency response and a heavy p...
Montenegrin police, working alongside the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation, have arrested an Iranian national accused of carrying out a ...
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
The United Nations' top human rights official has called for independent investigations into deaths in U.S. immigration detention facilities, citing a rise in fatalities among people held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
An aircraft roughly the size of a car crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper on Friday evening, triggering a major emergency response and a heavy police presence as authorities sealed off the area and gave no immediate explanation for the incident.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck Japan's northeast coast on Thursday, but no tsunami warning was issued, no injuries were immediately reported and no irregularities were found at nuclear facilities, the authorities said.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
The Kremlin has denied a Wall Street Journal report claiming Moscow is pressuring Belarus to support an expanded Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
As France endures a record-breaking heatwave that has been linked to at least 40 drowning deaths, forecasters are using three key terms - pic de chaleur, vague de chaleur and canicule. Here's what they mean.
Australian authorities have expanded surveillance and testing efforts after confirming two cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu, while neighbouring Papua New Guinea has suspended poultry imports from the country.
The United States has launched an investigation into Germany's pharmaceutical pricing policies to determine whether they unfairly disadvantage American companies and restrict U.S. commerce.
Australia has confirmed its first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu, ending its status as the only continent with a mainland free of the virus and prompting authorities to step up efforts to contain any spread.
The European Commission has announced €493 million in emergency support for the Ebola response, including funding for vaccines, treatment and health security measures.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment