👉 HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) engineering involves the manipulation of its genetic material to study its behavior, develop vaccines, or create novel therapeutic tools. Scientists can use techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the HIV genome, allowing them to understand how specific genetic changes affect viral replication and pathogenicity. By introducing mutations or deletions, researchers can investigate the roles of different viral proteins and their interactions with host cells. This approach also enables the creation of attenuated HIV strains for vaccine development, where weakened versions of the virus can stimulate immune responses without causing disease. Additionally, engineered HIV vectors are used in gene therapy to deliver therapeutic genes to target cells, leveraging the virus's natural ability to integrate into the host genome. Overall, HIV engineering is a powerful tool for advancing our understanding of the virus and developing innovative treatments and preventive measures.
