http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/10/health/a-breakthrough-against-leukemia-using-altered-t-cells.html/ref=science&gwh=D9083766D40AE2F7CE684DB2E7476883&_r=0
HIV attacks the immune system and as a retrovirus it can insert its genome into the immune cells' DNA. This research team is using a genetically modified form of HIV to have it specifically put certain genes into the T cells that cause them to target the B-cells (which are the problematic dividing cells in this case)
The exposure of the modified HIV to the T-cells takes place outside of the body then the newly altered T-cells are returned to the host. Sounds like this is in the promising stage but still needs further work
I especially think it's so amazing to be using such a destructive virus to our benefit
Thanks to Alex Pedicone for bringing this one to my attention!
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