4 ms·
So this means we can correct for this at the fetal stage now? Or possibly with CRISPR based gene replacement since it just one SNP.
by huytersd 3y ago
So this means we can correct for this at the fetal stage now? Or possibly with CRISPR based gene replacement since it just one SNP.
- sounds 3y agoThe researchers are careful to not say that. (Remember the big uproar around LK-99 superconductors?) To my lay eyes, it looks like they have excellent research showing a pathway used for the regulation of the "innate immune response," which is the fast-acting first response to pathogens. And they saw some strong evidence but not a sure proof that Lupus may be caused by the loss of regulation due to a mutation. To show that it's more than a nice coincidence, I think they'd take careful steps: maybe a CRISPR therapy trial, maybe a drug trial specifically aiming to regulate this part of the immune system through other careful means. Lots of clinical trials. To families affected by Lupus this might seem painfully slow. I'm optimistic though: this sounds like the kind of solid research to uncover the exact functioning of the human immune system.
- JeffSnazz 3y agoMaybe I'm missing something but there's not evidence in the linked paper that this is the only trigger for lupus, just a possible single one.