CRISPR Gene Editing Teach-Out

In 2018, He Jiankui came to global attention when it was announced that he had implanted CRISPR-edited embryos. He aimed to make the babies resistant to HIV by editing gene CCR5, as the fathers of the children were HIV-positive. In doing so, he had edited germline cells, meaning that descendants of the babies could inherit the edits. This was a shock to many.

Ben explores the motivations of the parents of these children - that more than preventing disease, the parents were motivated by reducing the stigma the children would face when living in an HIV-positive home.

Then, Yan and Ben provide their perspectives on He Jiankui’s actions.