Scientists ‘delete’ HIV virus from human DNA for the first time

Scientists used a DNA-snipping enzyme called Cas9 to cut out the virus The cell's gene repair machinery then takes over, soldering the loose ends of the genome back together resulting in a virus-free cell Process could also be a cure for other latent infections, researchers say 'It's an exciting discovery, but not ready to go into the clinic,' said Dr Khalili

By Ellie Zolfagharifard

Published: 06:35 EST, 22 July 2014 | Updated: 10:59 EST, 22 July 2014

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Once HIV conquers a human cell, it will stay there forever.

It inserts its deadly genome permanently into its victims' DNA, forcing them to require medical treatment for the rest of their life.

But now, for the first time, researchers in Philadelphia have found a way to completely delete HIV from human cells by snipping them out.

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Scientists 'delete' HIV virus from human DNA for the first time