HIV is the forgotten pandemic (Yes, HIV is still a pandemic. It's just one most of us don't worry about because you can't catch it just by being in the room with somebody).
But HIV has now saved lives. How, you ask?
Scientists have reprogrammed the HIV virus to repair immune systems instead of destroying them. The treatment was used on 50 children with so-called "Bubble baby syndrome." These kids were born without a functioning immune system.
48 responded to the treatment and are able to live normal lives two to three years later. They aren't talking "cure" yet, but it appears to at least be a long-term treatment.
Retroviruses like HIV are particularly useful for gene therapy because they insert their own genetic material into cells. As HIV already affects the immune system, it was easy to tweak it to do the repairs.
Domesticating viruses is the next big thing, even as one ravages the globe.
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