HIV in Biotechnology
HIV was ranked 6 out of the top 10 deadliest diseases in the world and was considered a death sentence upon diagnosis. But, is there more to this virus?
HIV, What is it and How Does it Work?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus is acquired through various bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, and at birth passed from mother to offspring. HIV attacks the immune system upon entrance to the body. The virus enters through the blood stream and attacks the immune systems defense, called the T Helper cells (or CD4) that protect the body from fighting infections. HIV contains glycoproteins that mutate rapidly, ultimetley causing the T Cells to not recognize it. The virus attaches to the proteins on the immune system cells and fuses their membranes releasing 2 viral DNA strands and 3 essential replication enzymes. The RNA is then transcribed into DNA and enters the host cells genetic makeup. This causes them to replicate inside the T Cells and are then released as mature viruses that attack other white blood cells and kills them. It is estimated that about 10 billion virons are created each day.
The Science of HIV and Aids
How Can HIV Be Cured?
HIV seems like a death sentence, but is it really? Not anymore! Researchers and scientists are currently working on different projects and methods to cure this disease by using stem cells, specifically, blood forming stem cells. These cells have the capability to become any type of blood cell, such as white blood cells in the immune system, and are resistant to HIV. A genetic mutation in a gene called CCR5 contains the instructions to fight off HIV before it becomes a problem. Unfortunately, it is incredibly rare (found in only 1% of Northern Europeans) and of those, it must be an almost exact match for the recipients body to accept the new stem cells. But thanks to advancements in technology, research teams are genetically modifying the CCR5 gene in the stem cells to contain the mutation and return them to the body to cure the HIV.
The history of HIV/AIDS
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Meet our researchers and innventors
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Can HIV Be Beneficial?
Surprisingly, yes it can! HIV is unique in that it is able to transport genetic information quickly an effectively from one location to the next. In the body, HIV infects white blood cells and uses them to curate more viroids to continue it's line. But what if the harmful genetic information is removed? What is left is an amazing transport of information to cure genetic as well as other various diseases. And that is exactly what modern biotechnology is working to achieve now!