Stem Cell Transplants in Monkeys Offer Hope for HIV Cure in Humans
Stem cell transplants have been used to cure two monkeys of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), the HIV-relative that infects 45 primate species. Although some human cures have already been achieved, the technique has had far too many side effects for widespread application. In the monkey cases, however, the researchers responsible think they understand why the approach worked and what needs to be done to apply it to humans on a consistent basis.