This New Mega Virus Is Actually Good for the Future of Humanity. Promise.

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A new study claims that a fresh artificial viral vector (AVV) modification can house 171,000 strands of DNA—along with plenty of proteins and biomolecules–all helpful in streamlining gene therapy.

If proven effective, the authors believe this vehicle could transform gene therapies and personalized medicine.

The new AVVs can hold 20 times more DNA than current gene-therapy viruses.

A virus full of potentially healing DNA could soon carry a much larger payload. By increasing the amount of DNA that can fit within an artificial viral vector—along with biomolecules, proteins, and more—researchers believe they’ve unlocked the potential to vastly improving gene therapy.

In a new study published in Nature Communications, the authors claim that the fresh artificial viral vectors (AVVs) known as phages can house 20 times more DNA than similar AVV's in use today. The innovative approach is hefty enough to act as a one-stop shop for the molecular repair of genes.

"These large capacity, customizable, multiplex, and all-in-one phage-based AVVs represent an additional category of nanomaterial that could potentially transform gene therapies and personalized medicine," the study authors write.

Phages are modified viruses geared to infect bacteria. Functionally weaponizing the infection power of a virus for good opens up a world of healing opportunities, such as cell and gene therapies. By expanding the capacity of the phages to hold 171,000 DNA strands and over 1,000 molecules, lead author Venigalla Rao of The Catholic University of America, believes his team has created a new way to deliver healing.

"We can combine all of these in one particle and be able to aim not only for therapy," he says, according to New Scientist, "but potentially for a cure."

With existing gene and cell treatments, experts look to modify existing cells, but need a mix of therapy-filled cell deliveries to make it happen. By packing a phage full of DNA and biomolecules designed to repair existing cells, the study authors believes they can significantly speed up healing.

To make it all happen, the research team took the well-known T4 phage process and modified it, largely through the use of a special cationic lipid coating meant to "to enable efficient entry into human cells."

If perfected, expect gene therapy to take on a completely enlarged—and streamlined—approach.

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