UPDATE: Scientists are on the brink of a groundbreaking approach to combat Lyme disease by genetically engineering mice on Nantucket, Massachusetts. With Lyme disease affecting 15% of the island’s residents, this urgent initiative aims to interrupt the transmission cycle of this debilitating illness.
Just announced, the team, led by MIT biologist Kevin Esvelt and Tufts University epidemiologist Sam Telford, is focused on altering the genetic makeup of wild mice, the primary carriers of Lyme disease. By making these mice immune to the bacteria, they hope to reduce the number of infected ticks, which are responsible for spreading the disease.
Located 30 miles off Cape Cod, Nantucket is not just known for its stunning landscapes but also for its alarming Lyme disease rates. Esvelt describes Lyme disease as the island’s “natural disaster,” overshadowing other environmental concerns. “It is the one plague that might be severe enough that communities might want to engineer a wild organism,” he stated.
This pioneering project, dubbed “Mice Against Ticks,” has gained traction over the past year. The scientists have begun tagging wild white-footed mice to track their populations and monitor the ticks that transmit Lyme disease. With ticks estimated to infect 50% or more of their hosts, the stakes are high.
The innovative genetic engineering involves using CRISPR technology to inject an antibody gene into mouse embryos. This method aims to create mice that are genetically immune to Lyme disease, thereby halting the cycle of infection without exterminating the rodent population. “We are absolutely speeding up evolution,” Esvelt emphasized, highlighting the experimental nature of this project.
Residents of Nantucket are actively engaging in discussions about the project’s environmental implications. In town hall meetings, locals expressed concerns about potential changes to the ecosystem but also hope for a solution to Lyme disease. “Having had Lyme disease twice, I thought ‘what a cool idea,'” said one resident, while another questioned the impact on local wildlife.
The team plans to conduct a small-scale field trial before any broader implementation. If successful, it could lead to a significant reduction in Lyme disease cases, allowing local practitioners like Dr. Timothy Lepore, who treats dozens of Lyme patients annually, to finally see a decline in cases. “If this works, I might be able to retire,” he joked, reflecting on the toll Lyme disease has taken on his practice.
The urgency of this project cannot be understated. Lyme disease can lead to severe long-term health issues, such as neurological complications and chronic pain, as experienced by 33-year-old Shauna Asplint. Diagnosed as a child, she continues to grapple with the disease’s effects. “My body hurts all the time,” Asplint shared, illustrating the human impact behind the scientific innovation.
As the scientists move forward, they seek community support to ensure ethical considerations are met. “We need to ensure that people have a voice,” Esvelt remarked, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in shaping this transformative technology.
The team is poised to release genetically engineered mice later this winter, pending regulatory approval. As they embark on this groundbreaking journey, the world is watching closely to see if Nantucket can pave the way for a new approach to tackling Lyme disease. The implications could resonate far beyond the island, potentially changing how we combat tick-borne illnesses globally.
