Treatment of infectious diseases by in vivo gene editing

Abstract

Gene editing is the specific modification of genome sequences at desired sites using technologies derived from zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) nuclease systems. It is a promising tool for the development of new treatment strategies for infectious diseases. Due to its higher editing efficiency and lower off-target effect, gene editing therapy mainly uses CRISPR Cas-derived tools to resist viral and non-viral infections. Here, we reviewed the recent research progress of gene editing in antiviral therapy (human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and human papillomavirus) and inhibition of infectious diseases that involve bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Keywords

• gene editing
• <italic>in vivo</italic> therapy
• CRISPR-Cas
• infectious diseases
• viral infection