 |
| Sources: Science Nature Page |
A man is now the seventh person cured of HIV
after a stem cell transplant. Uniquely, he is only the second cured without
cells carrying a rare, double-copy HIV-resistant mutation. He received cells
with only one mutated CCR5 gene.
This suggests complete resistance may not be
essential. More than seven years off therapy and virus-free, his case implies
other immune mechanisms—like donor cells destroying infected ones—are likely
crucial.
This widens the potential donor pool and
challenges beliefs that CCR5-resistant cells are absolutely necessary. While
transplants remain too risky for most, these cures are a powerful proof of
concept.
They accelerate research into safer options
like gene editing and vaccines. As science finds new ways to target hidden HIV reservoirs,
this case signals we may be nearing a solution to this enduring medical
challenge.
Sources: Source: Wong, C. (2025, December 1). Man unexpectedly cured of HIV after stem cell transplant. New Scientist.
0 comments:
Post a Comment