CRISPR-Cas9 as a curative drug for chronic viral infection

The innovation of CRISPR-Cas9 has single-handedly revolutionized biotechnology by enabling efficient and specific cutting DNA. approaches are promising not only to targetthe human genome but also DNA pathogenic viruses, which coincidentally is the canonical function in its bacterial origin. Since 2014, a myriad studies proven efficacy treatment cleave viral intermediates vitro. One most widely targeted theproviral immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). disease burden HIV-1 massive—the infection incurable remained pandemic for over four decades. Integrated provirus inside causes persistence latent cellular reservoirs, eluding antiretroviral therapy (ART) sterilizing cure. Specific targeting anddisruption proviral necessary achieve clearance, can be achieved with CRISPR-Cas9. Here, we review features up date evidence CRISPRCas9 target suppress replication. We will discuss potential CRISPR/Cas9 delivery methods vivo, combination other gene editing modalities therapeutic approaches, bring editing-based cure closer into clinical use.