Researchers at Temple University have managed to give immune cells the fighting edge against HIV: by allowing it to be completely edited out of the cells. This is one step closer to finding a permanent cure for HIV, as opposed to the current treatments carrying negative side effects.
The researchers used a guide RNA matching the HIV gene, allowing the cells to cut it out, but leaving normal cells completely unaltered. Although there are still major steps between these in vitro (so using human cells in a dish, instead of living people) results and actual human efficacy, it represents a far better alternative than current anti-viral HIV drugs that require lifelong use.