HIV/AIDS
Genetic Scissors
For the first time in human AIDS trials, City of Hope researchers
have succeeded in inserting a therapeutic gene against AIDS into
"pluripotent" stem cells—the parent cells that "give birth" to the
immune cells infected by HIV. If successful, this approach could
lead to long-term immunity to the disease. Investigators, led by
John A. Zaia, MD, director, Department of Virology, inserted an
anti-HIV gene containing two types of ribozymes, or "molecular
scissors," into the stem cells of patients with AIDS-related
lymphoma. These patients received high-dose chemotherapy as standard
treatment for their lymphoma. The chemotherapy killed the patient’s
unhealthy bone marrow, making room for the genetically altered stem
cells.
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