CRISPR-Cas system: from diagnostic tool to potential antiviral treatment

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2022 Sep;106(18):5863-5877. doi: 10.1007/s00253-022-12135-2. Epub 2022 Aug 26.

Abstract

This mini review focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of virus diseases using Crisper-Cas technology. The present paper describes various strategies involved in diagnosing diseases using Crispr-Cas-based assays. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas systems offer great potential as new therapeutic tools for treating viral infections including HIV, Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. There are several major challenges to be overcome before this technology can be applied routinely in clinical settings, such as finding a suitable delivery tool, toxicity, and immunogenicity, as well as off-target effects. This review also discusses ways to deal with the challenges associated with Crisper-Cas technology. KEY POINTS: • Crisper technology is being applied to diagnose infectious and non-infectious diseases. • A new generation of CRISPR-Cas-based assays has been developed which detect pathogens within minutes, providing rapid diagnosis of diseases. • Crispr-Cas tools can be used to combat viral infections, specifically HIV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: Crispr-Cas; HIV; Influenza; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • HIV Infections* / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human* / diagnosis
  • Influenza, Human* / drug therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Virus Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Virus Diseases* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents