True or False: Cells may be edited using CRISPR technology to ensure immunity to infection by the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The correct answer and explanation is:
True.
CRISPR technology has shown potential for editing cells to confer immunity to various infections, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely alter the DNA of living organisms, including human cells. One of the most prominent uses of CRISPR has been in research aimed at treating genetic disorders, but it also holds promise in addressing infectious diseases, including HIV.
HIV primarily attacks the immune system by targeting CD4+ T-cells, which play a crucial role in defending the body against infections. The virus gains access to these cells by binding to a specific receptor on their surface called CCR5. Some individuals have a natural genetic mutation known as CCR5-Δ32, which results in a non-functional CCR5 receptor. This mutation provides resistance to HIV infection, as the virus cannot effectively enter these cells.
CRISPR technology can be used to edit the genes of individuals to mimic this protective mutation. In 2016, scientists successfully edited the CCR5 gene in human embryos, and further research has been done in laboratory settings to modify immune cells from people living with HIV. By knocking out the CCR5 receptor in immune cells, the cells become resistant to HIV infection. This type of genetic modification has shown promise in laboratory experiments and clinical trials, though it is still in the experimental stage.
The potential to create HIV-resistant cells through CRISPR raises important ethical and safety questions. While the technology holds significant promise, much more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects, risks, and efficacy. As of now, using CRISPR for HIV immunity is still in the realm of scientific experimentation, but it could become a revolutionary approach to managing or even preventing HIV infection in the future.