You were watching one of your favorite TV shows last night. On the show, one of the patients had a genetic disorder called SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease). The doctor wanted to treat her young patient by using HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Is this just TV drama, or can viruses really be used to treat disease?

Question

Responses

A This is pure fantasy! The HIV would only cause more problems than it would fix.This is pure fantasy! The HIV would only cause more problems than it would fix.

B This is real life! Patients can given a corrected copy of defective genes using viral vectors derived from HIV. This is real life! Patients can given a corrected copy of defective genes using viral vectors derived from HIV.

C This is real life! Viral vectors derived from HIV can destroy defective genes by infecting cells without causing disease. This is real life! Viral vectors derived from HIV can destroy defective genes by infecting cells without causing disease.

D This is pure fantasy! Viral DNA is different than the DNA found in living organisms and thus, cannot be used to correct gene defects.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

B This is real life! Patients can be given a corrected copy of defective genes using viral vectors derived from HIV.

Researchers have developed a way to use modified versions of HIV as a vector to deliver therapeutic genes into patients. In the case of SCID, gene therapy can provide a functional copy of the defective gene, potentially curing the disorder. While this approach may sound unexpected, it is a legitimate area of research and has been used successfully in some clinical settings.