HIV Cured?

[eric0095]

Not really.

But this study at UCLA says they've found a way to suppress the virus in rats to the point where the virus becomes extinct. A cure, not a treatment.

What they do is inject genetically engineered 'specialized' T-Cells (the white blood cell doodz that fight infections) which go about 'suppressing' the HIV cells. Over time the virus' cells die out and the rat is cured.

They have yet to test it on humans. They've also stated that rats process the virus slower than humans. So that might mean bad news for potential human applications, but we'll have to wait and see.

"We believe that this study lays the groundwork for the potential use of this type of approach in combating HIV infection in infected individuals, in hopes of eradicating the virus from the body."
- Scott G. Kitchen, professor of medicine, member of UCLA AIDS Institute

***Absolutely no political/religious discussions in this thread, please and thank you.***

What do you guys think? Yay for science? Or i'll believe it when I see it?

[MrHyde]

Believe it when I see it.

[Khalee]

WE'VE CURED HIV!!!!




Oh.... crap

[DWorth]

i'll believe it when it cures a human not a rat...

[DropBear2]

if it does work, will most likely have to be applied very early in to work on people. Still, any progress is better than nothing, yay for science!
unless they turn into zombies, then boo science.

[AbstractAngel]

If we process the virus more quickly than rats, we would have to use more potent and frequent applications (if we are using it as is and not adapting it). What I'm wondering is what they theorize the long or short term side effects of the process would be.

[Nesterus]

how are we gonna tell people to go die of aids now ?

[KrazyKazza]

The problem is mutation and if the virus is resistant in one carrier the whole thing will quickly unravel...good start though!

[Morgan le Fay]

The problem is mutation and if the virus is resistant in one carrier the whole thing will quickly unravel...good start though!

Yuppers I tend to agree. Virus's can mutate at an astounding rate, take the flu virus you need a yearly jab to protect yourself from it.

Virus mutation is the reason why there has been no cure found for the common cold or even a vaccine. Imagine trying to find one for over 200 different varieties.

[Thalric]

Believe it when i see it