Research Paper: Birth of Twins After Genome Editing for HIV Resistance
Dublin Core
Title
Research Paper: Birth of Twins After Genome Editing for HIV Resistance
Subject
Genome editing, CRISPR, HIV resistance, bioethics
Description
This unpublished electronic document contains the original research conducted by He Jiankui on the world’s first genetically edited human babies, known as Lulu and Nana. The study describes the experimental use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to alter the CCR5 gene in human embryos, with the stated goal of conferring resistance to HIV infection. The document provides a detailed account of the genetic modification process, embryo selection, clinical trial procedures, and the subsequent birth of the twins.
The research, carried out in secrecy in China in 2018, sparked global controversy after its revelation, leading to widespread ethical condemnation and legal consequences for He Jiankui. Scientists and bioethicists criticized the study for lack of proper scientific oversight, failure to obtain fully informed consent, and the potential for unintended genetic mutations. Despite claims of success, the methodology and results have not been formally peer-reviewed or published in a recognized scientific journal, and concerns remain about long-term safety, off-target effects, and the implications of germline editing.
This electronic copy, though unpublished, serves as a crucial reference for the scientific and bioethics communities in evaluating the risks, ethics, and regulatory challenges of human genome editing. It remains a significant document in the history of genetic engineering, bioethics, and the debate over human germline modifications.
The research, carried out in secrecy in China in 2018, sparked global controversy after its revelation, leading to widespread ethical condemnation and legal consequences for He Jiankui. Scientists and bioethicists criticized the study for lack of proper scientific oversight, failure to obtain fully informed consent, and the potential for unintended genetic mutations. Despite claims of success, the methodology and results have not been formally peer-reviewed or published in a recognized scientific journal, and concerns remain about long-term safety, off-target effects, and the implications of germline editing.
This electronic copy, though unpublished, serves as a crucial reference for the scientific and bioethics communities in evaluating the risks, ethics, and regulatory challenges of human genome editing. It remains a significant document in the history of genetic engineering, bioethics, and the debate over human germline modifications.
Creator
He Jiankui
Source
MIT Technology Review Online Journal
Publisher
Institutional repository (Unpublished)
Date
November 2018
Contributor
Jinzhou Qin, Yangran Chen, Xiaoqing Zhou, Shuo Song, Kaijing CHen, Rui Chen, Yuanlin Chen, Hua Bai, Michael W. Deem
Rights
MIT Technology Review
Relation
Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing (2018) – Where He Jiankui first publicly presented his research.
Format
Text (HTML)
Language
English
Type
Text (Research Paper)
Coverage
2018 , China
Citation
He Jiankui, “Research Paper: Birth of Twins After Genome Editing for HIV Resistance,” Omeka, accessed February 6, 2026, https://omeka.ischool.utoronto.ca/items/show/274.