4 ms·
While this is an interesting technique, I wonder what effects the absence of the cell marker has on normal immune function. As well, gene targeting for therapy
by riahi 18y ago
While this is an interesting technique, I wonder what effects the absence of the cell marker has on normal immune function. As well, gene targeting for therapy is exceptionally tricky; if you miss, you can seriously screw things up.
- jamongkad 18y agoI think that's what set the premise for the movie "I am Legend".
- eugenejen 18y ago5% to 14% of European population lacked of CCR-5, while almost none of Asians and Africans lacks CCR-5. A theory about this phenomenon is the black death/smallpox in middle ages in Europe attacked CCR5. And the survivors from several black deaths/smallpox outbreaks were descendants of CCR5 mutation. So theoretically we know how people can live with CCR5 mutation. Of course, the immune system is complex. So maybe a healthy CCR-5 Delta 32 person needs some other mutations to keep functioning instead of just losing CCR-5.
- ingenium 18y agoThe theory about the black death being the origin isn't correct. While it does provide resistance to the plague, studies have shown that it originated well before that time. However, people without CCR5 receptors are slightly more susceptible to some diseases, such as West Nile Virus.