Chinese scientists used CRISPR gene editing to alter CCR5 in stem cells from a 27 year old male. The edited cells were transplanted back into the man who was living with HIV and leukaemia. This was to protect against HIV without finding a donor with the CCR5-delta32 mutation, as was done for the Berlin and London patients. The transplant was successful but the gene editing only generated a small number of modified cells. As a result, the man’s viral load rebounded during ART interruption. This study demonstrated the safety of gene editing, with no off-target effects seen. It also highlights the challenges with modifying donor stem cells for HIV treatment.
CRISPR CCR5 edits safe but limited
