Genome Editing Technologies as Cellular Defense Against Viral Pathogens
1Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|August 2, 2021
Summary
Genome editing technologies offer promising new strategies to combat viral infections like HIV, HBV, and SARS-CoV-2. These advanced tools can eliminate latent viruses and prevent new infections, paving the way for novel antiviral therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Viral infectious diseases, including acute, chronic, and emerging viruses like SARS-CoV-2, pose significant global health threats.
- Genome editing technologies have emerged as powerful tools in virology research and therapeutic development.
- Existing treatments often face challenges with latent infections and emerging viral strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and applications of genome editing technologies for combating viral infections.
- To highlight the potential of genome editing in treating infections caused by HIV, HBV, HPV, HSV, and SARS-CoV-2.
- To discuss future directions for genome editing as a novel antiviral therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on genome editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas, ZFNs, and TALENs.
- Analysis of applications in cell lines, animal models, and clinical trials for viral diseases.
- Examination of strategies for eliminating latent infections and conferring resistance to new infections.
Main Results:
- Genome editing technologies have demonstrated efficacy in targeting a wide spectrum of viral pathogens.
- These tools can be designed to eliminate latent viral reservoirs and prevent reinfection.
- CRISPR-Cas, ZFNs, and TALENs show potential for treating infections caused by HIV, HBV, HPV, HSV, and SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusions:
- Genome editing represents a versatile and adaptable strategy for antiviral therapy.
- The rapid development of these technologies offers new hope for managing and potentially eradicating viral diseases.
- Further research into advanced genome editing techniques could lead to groundbreaking novel therapies for viral infectious diseases.
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