CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology is a greatly promising molecular tool for correcting mutation-associated hereditary conditions, as exemplified by Casgevy for the treatment of anemia associated with sickle cell disease. So far, in the United States, genetic engineering technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 have been applied within the domain of somatic cells.
Gene editing (as it pertains to germ lines or human embryos) is strictly prohibited in the US, Europe, and much of the world. At a science conference held in Hong Kong in 2018, a professor from a Chinese University announced an astounding claim: Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, human embryos were edited using CRISPR/Cas9 that mimicked the naturally occurring mutation variant in an HIV co-receptor with the claimed intent of conferring HIV infection resistance to the two baby girls borne out of the embryos.32 An immediate shockwave struck all corners of scientific communities, particularly in the United States. A moratorium was initiated by Harvard molecular biology professor Dr. George Church. The moratorium was signed by several dozen leading scientists from all over the world, outrightly condemning the imprudent and irresponsible act by the rogue scientist.
Why is embryo/germline gene editing deemed irresponsible, even amoral? What unknown biological/physiological consequences might have been inflicted upon the two “CRISPR babies”? Closer scrutinization, starting with HIV, host receptor, and co-receptor binding, will be discussed in this section.
