Sam McConkie Biology 1010 4/8/14

Article Review Alteration of Genes to Repel H.I.V.

For many years society has been affected by a rapid and aggressive disease, AIDS. Recent scientific studies have suggested that there may be new found hope in eliminating this awful disease. The New England Journal of Medicine has provided new information that suggests alteration of cells can resist the virus causing AIDS. This paper will compare the similarities and differences between the articles originally from The New England Journal of medicine and a more popular article written for the New York Times. The New York Times describes the hypothesis of the study as the first use in humans of gene editing, a treatment that zeros in on a particular gene and disables it (Grady, 2014). In slight contrast we read in the medical journal We investigated whether site-specific modification of the gene (gene editing) in this case, the infusion of autologous CD4 T cells in which the CCR5 gene was rendered permanently dysfunctional by a zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN) is safe. (June, 2014). From these two hypotheses we can conclude that they are very similar. The most obvious difference can be found in the wording. The way in which the medical journal refers to the study would relate with someone in the medical field, where as the New York Times piece is written simply so it can be easily understood by the general public. Those conducting the experiment gathered twelve people who were not effected by HIV and used their bodies as test subjects. The goal of the scientists was to zero in on the protein in patients cells called CCR5 that the HIV virus must attactch to to take over the cell.

Once they had obtained the cell it was removed from the patients body, treated and put back into the patients body. By treating the cell the scientist engeneered the cell the repel the HIV virus. The New York Times explained this as: In theory, if enough cells could be engineered to repel the virus, patients might no longer need antiviral drugs, and might in effect be cured. (Grady, 2014). We find the same explaination in the New England Medical Journal. Similart to their hypotheses, the medical journal uses much more elaborate language to explain their proceedings. That being said, The New York Times has proven to be accurate on this matter as well. The New York Times differes from the medical journal as it speculates to its real world application. The New York times interviews Dr. Anthony S. Fauci who questioned if this could actually become a realistic option to cure HIV. Dr. Fauci points out why he believes the idea may be a little far fetched at this point in time saying: I question whether patients would want this relatively complex treatment when many people can keep the infection under control with just one to a few pills a day. (Fauci,2014). This is one point of the two articles that differs. The medical journal did not propose an opinion as to the reality of when or if this could become a mainstreem treatment. The New York Times expands on the history of similar studies that have taken place. We find in the Times article interesting background concerning the particlular protein, CCR5, that says some humans are already immune to HIV because of a genetic mutation in their bodies. This was especially interesting to me as we have recently discussed genetic mutaions in this course. This was an interesting read for me. I had never really thought about this topic from the perspective on potential cures. The New York Times was a much more reader friendly

article and provided me with better background and a more clear explaination of what the expriment involved. As I became a little more educated about the topic my feelings toward it changed. I have never had a close to home experience with HIV so it is somewhat removed from my mind. This was eye opening to get a glimpse of how this problems can perhaps one day be cured. It gave me confidence that there will be cures for other fatal diseases in the future too.

Works Cited Grady, Denise. "Study Gives Hope of Altering Genes to Repel H.I.V." The New York Times. The New York Times, 05 Mar. 2014. Web. 05 Apr. 2014. Carl H. June, M.D. Gene Editing of CCR5 in Autologous CD4 T Cells of Persons Infected with HIV The New England Journal of Medicine. : Research & Review Articles on Disease & Clinical Practice. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2014.