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Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Identifying Caspases and their Motifs that Cleave Proteins During Influenza A Virus Infection
Published on: July 21, 2022
Progress in CRISPR/CAS13-Mediated Suppression of Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection in in vitro and in vivo
Alisa A Kazakova1, Elena I Leonova2, Julia V Sopova3
1Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory "Sirius", 354340, Russia.
Abstract:
The worldwide number of deaths from complications caused by severe influenza and COVID-19 is about 1 million cases annually. Development of the effective antiviral therapy strategies for the disease treatment is one of the most important tasks. Use of the CRISPR/Cas13 system, which specifically degrades viral RNA and significantly reduces titer of the virus, could be a solution of this problem. Despite the fact that Cas13 nucleases have been discovered only recently, they already have shown high efficiency in suppressing viral transcripts in cell cultures. The recent advances in mRNA technology and improvements in non-viral delivery systems have made it possible to effectively use CRISPR/Cas13 in animal models as well. In this review, we analyzed experimental in vitro and in vivo studies on the use of CRISPR/Cas13 systems as an antiviral agent in cell cultures and animal models and discussed main directions for improving the CRISPR/Cas13 system. These data allow us to understand prospects and limitations of the further use of CRISPR/Cas13 in the treatment of viral diseases.
Insights
The CRISPR/Cas13 system shows promise for treating severe viral infections like influenza and COVID-19 by degrading viral RNA. This review explores its effectiveness in cell cultures and animal models for future antiviral therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Gene Editing Technologies
Background:
- Severe influenza and COVID-19 cause approximately 1 million deaths annually.
- Effective antiviral therapies are crucial for managing these global health threats.
- CRISPR/Cas13 systems offer a novel approach for degrading viral RNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of CRISPR/Cas13 systems as an antiviral strategy.
- To analyze experimental in vitro and in vivo studies.
- To discuss future directions for improving CRISPR/Cas13 systems.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of published experimental studies on CRISPR/Cas13.
- Evaluation of in vitro cell culture experiments.
- Assessment of in vivo animal model studies.
Main Results:
- CRISPR/Cas13 systems demonstrate high efficiency in suppressing viral transcripts.
- Recent advances in mRNA technology and delivery systems enable in vivo applications.
- Studies show significant reduction in viral titers using CRISPR/Cas13.
Conclusions:
- CRISPR/Cas13 systems present a promising avenue for treating viral diseases.
- Further research is needed to optimize CRISPR/Cas13 for clinical application.
- Understanding the prospects and limitations is key for future development.
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