A recent article, found in the genetic times states that a study done by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine students could help improve gene therapy in heart disease and cancer patients. The study involved the common cold virus known as adenovirus to be used in gene therapy because this virus does not reproduce into a disease. In gene therapy, various genes are introduced in the adenovirus and then the virus in given to the patient. The adenovirus enters the desired cells and delivers the desired genes to help treat the disease. However, in this study the scientists found that patients would have an inflammatory immune response to the virus. This gives insight to how the immune system reacts to different virus and can help future studies dealing with how the immune system reacts to certain outside influences. I found this interesting because a virus like the common cold is something that we try to get rid of because of the effects it has on our bodies but in all actualities it may actually benefits us in gene therapy. This study gives insight for many more studies to come. It makes me hopeful that scientists are still experimenting with ways to improve our world.
Interestingly, atleast in my opinion, this article and research irrevocably provides insight into the premise that each small discovery adds and builds to the body of knowledge for future generations of scientists. Perhaps the immune response to the virus will, in future studies be a key factor in discovering life saving procedures. That would be ideal.
ReplyDeleteI think this summary is very interesting. Knowing that viruses invade host cells, it seems very appropriate that they be used to treat cancer. In my biochemistry course, a similar topic was discussed: the various ways cancer cells are bound to other proteins such as antibodies to treat diseases. Knowing the behavior and properties of cells, viruses, and other molecules is beneficial because they can be used to develop drugs and treat other diseases.
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