The biology of a shape-shifting virus
The genetic shield of natural resistance
Molecular scissors and cellular factories
The hiding spots and the latent reservoir
007skaty Therapeutic Interfering Particles
Hitchhike on the virus / Steal its cloning tools / Beat resistance down
007skaty Most HIV strains must bind to CD4 and CCR5 receptors, but a 32-base pair deletion stops this process.
007skaty Match protein shapes to discover how scientists reverse engineer a cure for HIV.
Rare mutation: The CCR5-delta 32 mutation is thought to have risen in frequency in Europe due to historical plagues or smallpox epidemics.
A protein receptor on the surface of white blood cells that regulates immune cell migration. In 1996, researchers discovered that a mutation in this gene blocks viral entry, providing natural immunity.
What type of genetic mutation is the CCR5-delta 32 variant that provides resistance to HIV?
To have complete natural immunity to most HIV strains, how many copies of the CCR5-delta 32 mutation must a person inherit?
Who was the first person in history to be medically cured of HIV through a stem cell transplant?
Why is a bone marrow transplant with CCR5-delta 32 donor cells not used as a routine cure for everyone with HIV?
Who is known as the 'London Patient,' the second person confirmed to be cured of HIV using a stem cell transplant?
What disease did all of the patients cured via CCR5-delta 32 stem cell transplants have in common besides HIV?
What made the Geneva Patient's HIV remission unique compared to previous cured patients?