You were watching one of your favorite TV shows last night. On the show, one of the patients had a genetic disorder called SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease). The doctor wanted to treat her young patient by using HIV (Human
Immunodeficiency Virus). Is this just TV drama, or can viruses really be used to treat disease?
A)
This is pure fantasy! The HIV would only cause more problems than it
would fix
B)
This is real life! Patients can given a corrected copy of defective genes
using viral vectors derived from HIV.
C)
This is real life! Viral vectors derived from HIV can destroy defective genes
by infecting cells without causing disease.
D)
This is pure fantasy! Viral DNA is different than the DNA found in living
organisms and thus, cannot be used to correct gene defects.