Lymphocytes are made invulnerable to HIV infection

American scientists succeeded in the mice resistant to HIV by disabling the gene with which the virus infects cells, make reports New Scientist. Researchers at the California biotech company "Sangamo BioSciences» blocked the gene for the protein encoding CCR5, which is on the surface of T-lymphocytes and HIV attach to penetrate into the cell. It uses a viral vector containing the nuclease enzyme from the group "zinc finger" which specifically desired to the gene. Nuclease human lymphocytes which are then introduced into mice were treated. Control group of mice led unmodified cells. Then both groups were infected with HIV. According to a "Sangamo BioSciences» Philippa Gregory (Philip Gregory), after six weeks, all the mice in the experimental group acquired resistance to HIV. Compared with the control group, they observed a tenfold reduction of the virus, and circulating T cells was five times greater. Upon receipt of such encouraging results, the researchers hope to begin this year to test in humans. To do this, the infected subjects will take the T-lymphocytes, and after turning off the CCR5 gene in the lab, come back. It is expected that the progeny of these cells to develop resistance to the virus, and so the dominant T-cell in the body. This ensures long-term protection against HIV, in contrast to drugs that block the protein CCR5.