High hopes for AIDS research: Experimental treatment fortifies the body's own stem cells with an enzyme that may block the relentless advance of the v

Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Date: Friday, April 7, 2006
Sabin Russell, Chronicle Medical Writer

An experimental therapy, if proved successful, could enable individuals infected with HIV or AIDS to control the virus and maintain their health without having to spend a lifetime taking costly and potentially toxic drugs. The goal of this experiment -- which combines elements of genetic engineering, gene therapy and stem cell science -- is to create a kind of parallel immune system that is fortified against the AIDS virus. Scientist believe that this therapy, while not a cure, could lead to greater control of HIV.