CRISPR editing of CCR5 and HIV-1 facilitates viral elimination in antiretroviral drug-suppressed virus-infected humanized mice

What is it about?

Tests in animal models by researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, have shown how gene editing two targets, HIV-1 and CCR5—the co-receptor that helps the virus get into cells—can effectively eliminate HIV infection. The team used CRISPR-based technology to inactivate CCR5 and excise HIV-1 DNA fragments from infected cells, in humanized mice that were also treated using long-acting antiretroviral drugs.

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Why is it important?

The work is the first to combine a dual gene editing strategy with antiretroviral drugs to cure animals of HIV-1.

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