Research on the gene-editing experiment involving a pair of twin girls to immunise them against HIV has been published for the first time, and scientists are of the opinion that the study may have created “unintended mutations”.
Chinese scientist He Jiankui had sent shockwaves across the scientific community last year over his genetic experiments to protect the twins against the human immunodeficiency virus. Following this, he faced heavy criticism over the experiment and was later on suspended from pursuing any scientific activity.
Scientists are now saying that Jiankui's experiment may have failed.
Jiankui had claimed that the experiment would lead to a medical breakthrough wherein the HIV epidemic can be controlled. However, several scientists had termed the experiment dangerous and unacceptable. A new study had shown that people who naturally have the mutation that Jiankui was trying to recreate were significantly more likely to die young.
The MIT Technology Review released excerpts of the research by Jiankui, and how he failed to hold up ethical and scientific norms in creating the twins. The twins Lula and Nana were born last year.
The CCR5 gene is a protein in white blood cells important for immunity, and Jiankui had targeted and altered this gene in his research using a powerful editing tool known as Crispr. Studies show that mutations to CCR5 affect people's resistance to the HIV. But scientists have stated that Crispr was still too risky to be used on children.
The report said that Jiankui and his team did not actually replicate the “Delta 32” variation as intended, but created mutations the effects of which are still unclear.
(With inputs from agencies)
