...removed the HIV-1 provirus from mice using a gene-editing technique called Crispr, has shown promise as a cure for HIV.
Despite the huge potential which the study shows for finding a cure for HIV, the researchers for the project acknowledge that there is a long way to go before this can be considered in human subjects and many promising treatments fail before getting to inhuman trials. However, despite the obstacles which lay before them there is optimism that this could be a viable treatment for HIV patients in the future. The next stage for the project is to test the process on primates and show effectiveness before inhuman trials can even be considered.
Many in the scientific community have shown excitement at the results of the study, but remain rational that gene-editing in humans is by far a more difficult and complex process. For example, removal of the HIV-1 provirus alone may not be enough in humans and only time, research and lots of investment will be able to show if this tantalising prospect can become a reality.