The implication of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology in combating human oncoviruses

Area of Science:

• Molecular Medicine
• Genetics
• Virology

Background:

• Oncoviruses cause approximately 20% of human tumors, posing significant therapeutic challenges due to their intracellular parasitic nature, latency, and genome integration.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) indirectly contributes to carcinogenesis by impairing the immune system and facilitating oncoviral infections.
• Targeting viral nucleotide sequences within episomal or integrated viral genomes is crucial for developing antiviral and anticancer strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review experimental and clinical advancements in CRISPR/Cas9 technology for combating oncoviruses.
• To focus on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 against tumor viruses, the targeted mechanisms, and significant outcomes.
• To discuss technical limitations, comparative analyses with alternative methods, and the clinical, ethical, legal, and social implications of CRISPR/Cas9 use.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental and clinical studies on CRISPR/Cas9 applications against oncoviruses.
• Analysis of targeted mechanisms and outcomes of CRISPR/Cas9 interventions.
• Comparative evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9 with other antiviral/anticancer techniques.

Main Results:

• CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as a precise and efficient tool for targeting oncoviruses.
• Extensive experimental applications demonstrate its potential in molecular medicine for combating tumor-inducing viruses.
• The review collates significant outcomes and advances in this field.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR/Cas9 technology offers a powerful approach for developing novel antiviral and anticancer therapies against oncoviruses.
• Further research and clinical translation are warranted, alongside careful consideration of technical challenges and ethical implications.
• The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future directions for CRISPR/Cas9 in oncovirus treatment.