Scientists Develop Gene-editing Technology that Eliminates EV-A71 RNA Viruses
Published:15 Aug.2023 Source:Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
Their research shows that the CRISPR-Cas13 editor delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) can directly target and eliminate RNA viruses in laboratory models. AAV are delivery vehicles derived from small viruses that naturally infect humans.They are clinically approved for use in gene therapy drugs which are used to treat diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and haemophilia.
The EV-A71 virus is the cause of the hand, foot, and mouth disease, and in severe cases, can lead to nervous system disease and death. To treat the viral infection, the team turned to CRISPR-Cas13, an RNA-editing technology that alters RNA in a cell.
CRISPR-Cas13 edits RNA and opens therapeutic avenues to a wide range of diseases that are untreatable by the Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR-Cas9, which edits DNA. CRISPR-Cas13 is programmed by guide RNAs (gRNAs) to target specific RNA sequences. Upon binding to these RNA sequences, the CRISPR-Cas13 cuts the RNA target into pieces, inactivating the RNA. CRISPR-Cas13 could also be utilised for RNA-editing, where a specific RNA sequence is changed to another sequence within the cell.
In this recent work, the team of scientists first developed the Cas13gRNAtor computational programme to design CRISPR gRNAs that cut viral RNA across different viral strains. They show that CRISPR-Cas13 treatment potently reduces viral burden, with less than 0.1% of the viruses remaining in previously infected cells.