Medical expert of the article
New publications
Scientists were able to remove HIV from human DNA
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Specialists managed to find out that a certain combination of enzymes can locate and neutralize HIV-1, and also restore damaged cell sets.
A research group from the College of Medicine at Temple University (Philadelphia) came up with a method to help remove the HIV-1 virus from cell structures. This discovery can be confidently called the first step to permanently rid people of such an insidious pathology as AIDS.
The discovered therapeutic method can be successfully applied to other hidden infections.
The material, printed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, describes in detail the process and technology of purifying the genetic kit of HIV-1.
According to statistics, to date, more than 33 million of the world's population are affected by the human immunodeficiency virus. Despite the fact that the use of specific antiretroviral therapy helps to significantly control the status of patients, it is necessary to constantly carry out such treatment. And the severity of side effects from such therapy is considered extremely high. Patients undergoing repeated courses of antiretroviral treatment often suffer from myocardial weakness, and also acquire chronic pathologies of the bone system and urinary system. Many patients show neuromuscular disorders. These disorders are often exacerbated by intoxication, which is increasing under the influence of medications that inhibit the development of the virus.
One of the problems doctors believe is that the AIDS virus is too persistent. It is firmly implanted in the patient's DNA, and it is almost impossible to expel it. Therefore, the disease is considered incurable. However, experts from the University of Temple argue that they still found a way to finally extract the virus from the human cellular structures.
The study was conducted under the leadership of Kamel Khalili. The doctor said that the combination of the enzyme controlling DNA (nuclease), as well as the fibers of the RNA guide (RNA guide), can track and remove the genome of the virus. After this process, the genetic link is restored: the free edges are sealed with the help of cellular protection, resulting in the cell becoming completely healthy and free of viruses.
In order to prevent accidental connection of the RNA guide with another part of the genome of the patient, the specialists carefully thought out the sequence of nucleotides. Thanks to this, it was possible to prevent damage to healthy cellular structures. At the same time, scientists were able to correct a number of the basic types of cells that are most often affected by viruses - macrophages, microglia and t-lymphocytes.
It is assumed that the results of this study will be further developed within two to three years. And only after that it will be possible to draw certain conclusions, and to introduce the discovery into the world medical practice.
[