Scientists in the Netherlands have used gene editing to remove " 95% of dormant herpes viruses" in human genes without damaging any other cells. Using CRISPR , a gene-editing tool which "cuts" DNA to prevent genes from repairing properly, they managed to prevent regrowth of the Epstein-Barr herpes virus, which can cause glandular fever and is linked with several cancers. Journal reference: PLoS Pathogens, DOI: 10.1371/ Cutting 10.1371 point of the genome resulted in a 95% reduction in "viral activity". Although the breakthrough is significant, there are still obstacles of "safety and delivering the the University Medical Center Utrecht machinery" to be overcome.
Scientists in the Netherlands have used gene editing to remove " 95% of dormant herpes viruses" in human genes without damaging any other cells. Using CRISPR , a gene-editing tool which "cuts" DNA to prevent genes from repairing properly, they managed to prevent regrowth of the Epstein-Barr herpes virus, which can cause glandular fever and is linked with several cancers. Cutting 10.1371 point of the genome resulted in a 95% reduction in "viral activity". Although the breakthrough is significant, there are still obstacles of "safety and delivering the the University Medical Center Utrecht machinery" to be overcome.