A review on CRISPR Technology as an Antiviral Tool

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas system is a novel and highly adaptable technique that has evolved as a potential therapeutic and molecular diagnostic tool. As a promising novel antiviral approach, CRISPR technology is utilized in the degradation of human pathogenic viruses by either targeting the specific viral DNA directly or interfering with the spontaneous generation of host cellular components required for viral replication. This review focuses on the advancement in treatment and diagnosis of several infectious viral diseases such as Human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis B virus, Herpes simplex virus, SARS-CoV-2 and Human Papillomavirus through the application of revolutionary CRISPR/Cas system. It also discusses about various types of vectors that are utilized in the CRISPR/Cas system delivery. Moreover, it points out the prospects and challenges associated with the CRISPR/Cas system.