• Question: Practically, is it possible to use stem cells to produce white blood cells that can help cure people suffering from SCID? (severe combined immunodeficiency disease)

    Asked by MaximDis to Daniela ?, ☣ Danna, Jonny, Juan, Lindsay on 20 Jun 2016.
    • Photo: Juan Ortiz

      Juan Ortiz answered on 20 Jun 2016:


      MaximDis, very good question. The SCID is a genetic disorder so it would be necessary to use stem cells, but also genetic engineering in order to replace/fix the defective gene for a new one. That may be possible in the future, since that is one of the potential applications of stem cells. It would be necessary to extract cells from the bone marrow of the patients, modify them genetically and then reintroduce this cells into the bone marrow of the patient. This is in theory possible, but technically very complicated. However, I am positive that these techniques will become more and more common and simple and broadly used to cure different diseases.

    • Photo: Jonathan Hunter

      Jonathan Hunter answered on 20 Jun 2016:


      I think Juan has covered mostly covered this. I would just add that I think this could be the case for many diseases both common and uncommon. Using personalised medicines for each patient really is the future! I’m not up to speed with all the techniques used but I don’t think it’s too far off!

    • Photo: Danna Gifford

      Danna Gifford answered on 22 Jun 2016:


      +1 to Juan

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