CRISPR/Cas9-Based Antiviral Strategy: Current Status and the Potential Challenge

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Virology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The CRISPR/Cas9 system, initially discovered as a bacterial immune mechanism, has emerged as a powerful gene-editing tool.
• Its versatility has led to widespread applications across life sciences, including significant advancements in virology.
• CRISPR/Cas9 facilitates direct manipulation and study of viral genomes and has spurred the development of new antiviral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of CRISPR/Cas9-based antiviral strategies.
• To present recent studies demonstrating CRISPR/Cas9-mediated control of clinically relevant viruses.
• To discuss the challenges and future prospects for translating CRISPR/Cas9 antiviral therapies into clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on CRISPR/Cas9 applications in virology.
• Analysis of studies employing CRISPR/Cas9 for viral genome manipulation and antiviral therapy development.
• Synthesis of current research on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated control of viruses such as HIV, HBV, herpesviruses, and HPV.

Main Results:

• CRISPR/Cas9 enables precise study of viral genetic elements (cis- and trans-acting factors).
• CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis has led to the development of novel antiviral therapies.
• Demonstrated efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9 in controlling various human viruses, including HIV, HBV, herpesviruses, and HPV.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR/Cas9 technology offers a promising platform for developing innovative antiviral treatments.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and facilitate the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9-based antiviral methods.
• The continued application of CRISPR/Cas9 in virology holds significant potential for combating chronic viral infections.