Researchers from Wuhan University of Science and Technology have presented an innovative gene editing method aimed at destroying the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as reported by BELTA, citing China Science Daily.
The system they developed is designed for targeted delivery of gene editing tools, opening new prospects in the fight against HIV.
The EMT-Cas12a method is based on modified exosomes that serve as carriers for the CRISPR-Cas12a system. This approach allows for the delivery of editing tools directly into infected cells, where they can identify and destroy the viral genome.
One of the key advantages of this technology is the ability to target hidden "dormant" reservoirs of infection, which could lead to "functional cure" — complete elimination of the virus from the body.
In experiments on infected mice, it was found that in one of the groups, two out of three individuals showed complete disappearance of the virus. The researchers noted that the method has already passed ethical committee review and is now entering the clinical trial phase.
