HIV infects cells at multiple stages. New CRISPR therapies aim to eliminate the virus at its source Image by aidsmap
Scientists are exploring a new way to fight HIV using CRISPR-C-as9, a gene editing tool. Recent studies show that CRISPR can target and remove HIV DNA straight from infected human cells, effectively killing the virus and stopping it from spreading .
In animal studies, CRISPR in combination with regular HIV medicine has completely eliminated HIV from some tissues in mice, giving hope that it might be possible to remove HIV from the body completely.
Early human trials of a CRISPR therapy called EBT-101 show it is safe and can target HIV in cells. But the virus can still return if normal HIV medicine is stopped, because some HIV hides in “sleeping” cells that CRISPR hasn’t reached yet.
While CRISPR isn’t a permanent cure yet, these results are very promising and could lead to a future where HIV can be fully eliminated.
Reference: Nature Communications. (2025). CRISPR-Cas9-mediated excision of HIV-1 provirus achieves complete viral clearance in preclinical models. https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08499-6
