How is Gene Therapy Applied in Infectious Diseases?
In the context of infectious diseases, gene therapy has shown promise in several key areas:
1. Antiviral Strategies: By inserting genes that encode antiviral proteins directly into a patient's cells, gene therapy can provide a direct mechanism to combat viral infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B. 2. Immune System Enhancement: Gene therapy can be used to make immune cells more effective. For example, T-cells can be genetically engineered to better recognize and destroy infected cells. 3. Vaccination: DNA vaccines are a newer form of vaccination where plasmids containing viral genes are introduced into the body, prompting an immune response without the risk of infection.
