A Genetic Experiment Idea

[Soumitra]

Hello,

 

As we all know , AIDS is an dangerous disease.

 

AIDS (HIV) virus attacks a CD₄ cells and makes it's own copy by sending his RNA inside the cell. Using reverse transcriptase, viral DNA is formed and lytic cycle continues.

 

Here is a thought,

 

We know Genome of HIV virus, right ? What would happen if can encorporate a gene within CD₄ cells growing on agar, which produces REN ( Restriction endonuclease) that cuts the Viral RNA into small pieces,thus making it ineffective? We can tranfuse the GM CD₄ cells into an affected person. As there are no new infections possible, number of viruses will decrease gradualy.

 

We might be able to cure AIDS !

 

I am too amateur for this but i would be honoured to have your comments !

[CharonY]

This idea would have several issues. First is creating or finding an RNAse that is expressed in large amounts and does not otherwise interfere with cellular functions. That alone is pretty much kills the idea. Then, you would have that somehow inserted in all haematopoietic stem cells (the progenitor cells) in order to ensure that all T-cells carry that gene.

 

That being said, there are attempts at gene therapy strategies which typically aim for the immune system to recognize compromised cells (such as infected, or cancer cells, for example). Other attempts which included trying to render cells resistant were less successful in animal models.

[Soumitra]

Thanks for the reply. I understand what you are saying. I will think about some other ways that will bypass those problems. But the Idea was good, right ?