CRISPR-based gene therapy for huntington's disease: current advances and future prospects

CRISPR-Cas9 technology offers transformative potential in treating Huntington's Disease (HD) by directly addressing its genetic root causes. This manuscript explores the pathophysiological mechanisms of HD, characterized by toxic mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein resulting from expanded CAG repeats in the HTT gene, and the challenges posed by current therapeutic limitations. We comprehensively review the mechanisms of CRISPR-based therapeutic strategies, including excision of expanded repeats, allele-specific targeting, and epigenome editing, highlighting their efficacy in preclinical studies using animal models and human iPSCs. Delivery methods, such as viral and non-viral vectors, are analysed for their role in optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing off-target effects and immune responses. Ethical and safety considerations, especially regarding precision and long-term impacts, are critically examined alongside emerging strategies to enhance specificity. With ongoing clinical trials and advancements in delivery systems, CRISPR technology represents a paradigm shift in addressing HD and broader neurodegenerative conditions. This review underscores the promise of gene editing in overcoming existing barriers and paving the way for transformative therapeutic approaches.