CRISPR could help us protect ourselves from viruses like flu and HIV

CNRI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY PHOTO LIBRARY

By David Adam

CRISPR gene editing could let us hack the immune system to give lasting protection against HIV and other infections. Experiments in mice suggest that the technique could be used to give people immunity from a range of viruses for which there are no effective vaccines.

Justin Taylor, at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, and colleagues used the CRISPR technique on B cells. These white blood cells are part of our natural immune system and secrete antibody …