A new study published June 2 shows the possibility of an eventual cure for the AIDS epidemic.  Scientists have found a way to alter the genetic code in mice that effectively blocks the HIV virus from entering the cells.

For about ten years, scientists have been aware of certain people being resistant to the virus due to a gene variant called CCR5 delta 32 that these immune individuals seemed to lack.  With the technology then, however, there was no way to manipulate the genes like is possible today.

Researchers used humanized mice to test their theory about gene alteration and its connection to HIV resistance.  Humanized mice have been altered so that their immune system behaves like a human instead of a mouse, and therefore becomes susceptible to human diseases.

The scientists took immature cells from the mice and modified them by using an enzyme to remove the CCR5 delta 32 variant, leaving the gene without the ability to make the correct CCR5 protein that helps the HIV to enter the cell.  These altered cells made the mice highly resistant to the virus and their immune systems stayed strong.  Mice without the altered gene were infected at the same time but became weakened.

It will be several years before human trials would even be allowed but the study results give great hope to those trying to stem the tide of the AIDS epidemic.  The researchers are seeking permission to test the altered gene method along with a current genetic therapy that is being done with HIV-positive lymphoma patients.