Gene therapy may prove effective in treating cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is an incapacitating condition which chokes the lungs with mucus. This is one of the common life threatening diseases which affect more than 7500 people in the United Kingdom.
Researchers at University College London (UCL) are trying to find a cure for this condition by using a modified version of HIV. If this procedure is successful, it might help the babies get rid of this ailment while developing in the womb itself.Scientists are currently attempting to replace the faulty gene which is responsible for this condition. Their line of work is engaged in developing vector-viruses which can incorporate the right gene into the abnormal and diseased body cells.
Suzie Buckley, the geneticist from UCL will be presenting her work at the British Society for Gene Therapy conference at Warwick. Her current technique of using vector in the disabled version of HIV to avert it from expressing as any disease has shown positive results. This has helped in the effective delivery of genetic material to the lungs of adult mice.
Gene therapy techniques are also reported to have benefits in treating severe immunodeficiency diseases. This condition is characterized by a lack of immune system in new born babies. Dr. Bobby Gaspar who will also be presenting his paper at the conference said that he has used genetic approach to treat 13 children suffering from this ailment and has been successful.
Source-Medindia
JYT
