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Health

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

By David Adam

14 February 2019

B cells produce antibodies that protect us from invading pathogens

B-cells produce antibodies that protect us from invading pathogens

CNRI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

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 his colleagues used the CRISPR technique on white blood cells called B-cells. These are part of our natural immune system and secrete antibody proteins that attack particular bacteria…

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