Persons with biallelic mutation to CCR5 gene are resistant to HIV infections. What will be the consequences, if CCR5 gene is being mutated through 'Gene editing'? Instead of vaccination could it be a approach for prevention of HIV infection?
Yes, it apparently does. What has been dubbed as the Viking hypothesis is based on the fact that many Europeans (particularly people in the north) are naturally immune to HIV infection due to mutation in CCR5 due to deletion of 32 bp (delta32 mutation). Gene editing has been investigated for HIV treatment and the obvious target is T cells (CD4+), the main binding immune cells for HIV. But then it has been found that transfusion reaction causes problems for practical application. Therefore the primary focus on HIV treatment is now on gene editing of CCR5.
The first clinical trail was reported in 2014 with a huge success. HIV in circulation declined and one person was completely cured - no viral DNA could be detected anymore. The other good news is that the persons tolerated the treatment very well, so that the technique was considered safe.
Let us all hope for the best: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00842634
CCR5 deletion can reduce the level of CCR5-tropism HIV-1. But there are CXCR4-tropsim HIV-1 strains. And CCR5 deletion may shorten the life. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-01739-w
Manny manny thanks to Kholhring Lalchhandama, and Zeli Zhang for their response.
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