archive

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Shots - Health News

How HIV Hijacks The Immune System

A 3-D model of HIV peeled back to show its layers. HIV's genetic material sits inside a spherical shell (gray matrix) studded with spikes (dark gray and orange). The sphere pops open when a T cell tugs on a spike.

July 19, 2012 HIV is like a jack-in-the-box. When the viruses bump into particular cells in the immune system, the viruses' shells pop open and their genes enter the cells. Experimental therapies for HIV could stop the virus from getting in.

Summary

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Shots - Health News

A Step Forward For Gene Therapy To Treat HIV

HIV particles assemble at the surface of a white blood cell called a macrophage.

May 2, 2012 Years after more than 40 patients with HIV received immune cells designed to attack and kill cells infected with HIV, the specialized cells are still present in their bloodstreams. There's been no sign the cells, a form of gene therapy, caused any serious side effects.

Summary

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Shots - Health News

Scientists Modify T-Cells To Attack Leukemia

Until now, scientists have had a tough time getting therapeutic genes to go where they need to go.

August 11, 2011 Gene therapists are looking for persistence. They want the therapeutic gene to stick around and help T-cells fight cancer cells. And in two new reports, that's what they got. But don't expect to find the treatment at a hospital near you any time soon.

Summary

NPR thanks our sponsors

Become an NPR Sponsor

Podcast + RSS Feeds

Podcast RSS

  • gene therapy