Double-Barreled CRISPR Technology as a Novel Treatment Strategy For COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Virology and Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coronaviruses cause human respiratory illnesses, with a novel strain causing the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 has led to a global health crisis, with significant impact in the United States.
• Understanding coronavirus pathogenicity is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on coronavirus pathogenicity, antiviral therapies, and prophylactic strategies for COVID-19.
• To explore the potential of CRISPR technology as a novel pan-antiviral therapeutic approach.
• To address challenges in CRISPR delivery and propose innovative solutions for targeted therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on coronaviruses, COVID-19, and antiviral treatments.
• Discussion of CRISPR technology's mechanism and its application in antiviral therapy.
• Exploration of challenges and proposed strategies for efficient and selective *in vivo* delivery of CRISPR components.

Main Results:

• CRISPR technology shows promise as a broad-spectrum antiviral therapy against coronaviruses.
• Challenges exist in achieving efficient and specific delivery of CRISPR components into infected cells.
• Hijacking SARS-CoV-2 surface proteins offers a potential strategy for targeted delivery.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR-based therapies represent a promising avenue for combating COVID-19 and future viral threats.
• Overcoming delivery challenges is key to realizing the therapeutic potential of CRISPR technology.
• Targeted delivery systems utilizing viral surface proteins could enhance the efficacy and safety of CRISPR treatments.