Suche
Mein Konto
Revolutionary CRISPR technology: New glimmer of hope in the fight against viruses!
The MHH research team in Hanover uses CRISPR-Cas13 to combat viral RNA and develops new therapeutic approaches against respiratory diseases.
Revolutionary CRISPR technology: New glimmer of hope in the fight against viruses!
In a groundbreaking project, a research team from the Hannover Medical School (MHH) led by Dr. Dr. Simon Krooss used CRISPR-Cas13 technology to combat viral respiratory diseases. This innovative company is being supported by the Volkswagen Foundation with one million euros over two years. Every year, over 17 billion people worldwide become ill with respiratory diseases caused by viruses, which ultimately leads to around 2.4 million deaths. The challenge for doctors is that the viruses' rapid mutation makes it significantly more difficult to control transmission and treatment.
Current treatment options are often limited. Existing medications often have little effectiveness. That's why the team at MHH is pursuing a new approach based on the complete destruction of the viruses. The planned CRISPR-Cas13 technology is intended to specifically cut viral RNA while leaving human mRNA intact. This could represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of respiratory diseases caused by viruses such as human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3), for which there is currently no known treatment or vaccine.
Technological advances
CRISPR-Cas13 technology has already proven efficient in cutting up SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures. Up to 90% of the viral genome could be successfully cut. The new therapeutic approaches aim to deliver the genetic scissors directly into the patient's airways via inhalation. For this purpose, Cas13 is combined with CRISPR guide RNAs (crRNAs), which must be guided specifically to the viral RNA regions. Lipid nanoparticles serve as a means of transport for these gene scissors.
In experiments, scientists have also successfully curbed the replication of other viruses such as the Nipah virus and the measles virus. Highly specialized CRISPR applications, such as the SHERLOCK system, also offer promising opportunities for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 and other viral diseases. A sensitivity of 96% in detecting the S gene was achieved, and the detection time can be achieved within 35 minutes, which is significantly faster than conventional methods such as RT-qPCR, which often require more than 120 minutes. , reports the PMC.
Global challenges and solutions
Advances in antiviral development are critical, especially given the global health threats posed by RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. New systems such as the Cas13d-NCS offer promising prospects as they are able to transport nuclear crRNAs into the cytosol. This enables targeted interventions on specific RNAs, which could revolutionize the therapeutic landscape and open up new possibilities for precision medicine. Such developments could also be important in future epidemic outbreaks, as researchers led by Prof. Wolfgang Wurst at the Helmholtz Zentrum München show , reports Helmholtz Munich.
The global assessment of the need for effective and quickly available antiviral therapies is evident. Projects like the one in Hanover could better address the needs of the global health community and significantly improve treatment options for respiratory diseases.