Researchers from Tel Aviv University have unveiled a novel approach to fighting HIV by engineering B-lymphocytes with modern gene-editing tools. The work was discussed in a science magazine article published by Nature Biotechnology, highlighting advances in immunology and gene editing.
Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, scientists edited B-lymphocytes to guide the immune system to generate antibodies targeting HIV. B-lymphocytes are a key player in antibody production, and the engineered cells were designed to circulate in the bloodstream and mount a targeted immune response against the virus. In preclinical studies conducted in mice, these modified B cells demonstrated the ability to sustain antibody production over time, suggesting a durable immune defense once introduced into the circulatory system.
The researchers described a treatment strategy that could potentially be delivered through a single administration, aiming to substantially improve the health status of individuals living with HIV. The prospect of a one-time intervention that primes the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus could reduce the need for ongoing therapies and improve quality of life for patients, according to the scientists involved.
Beyond the HIV context, the researchers believe the platform may pave the way for new therapeutic options against related infections. They also note that the same line of investigation could inform approaches to certain cancers, where directing the body’s own immune defenses to recognize abnormal cells offers a promising route for treatment and disease control.