Have you ever wondered if science could one day put an end to the annual flu epidemics that affect millions of people around the world? A group of Australian researchers seems on the verge of turning this idea into reality thanks to a major technological innovation. Discover how the Crispr gene-editing tool could redefine our fight against this persistent virus.
The 3 key facts not to miss
- Researchers use **Crispr** to target the flu’s **viral RNA**, thereby reducing its replication.
- The technology involves a **nasal spray** or an injection with lipid nanoparticles to deliver the Cas13 and Cas9 enzymes.
- Cas9 is used to modify **human genes** to reduce the cells’ vulnerability to the virus.
Using Crispr in the fight against the flu
Researchers from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, led by Wei Zhao, are exploring the use of Crispr, a gene-editing technology. Although traditionally applied to rare diseases, it is used here to **target the RNA** of the flu virus. The focus is on the Cas13 and Cas9 enzymes, which have shown their ability to **reduce the virus’s replication** and limit the inflammation caused by infected cells.
The role of lipid nanoparticles
To deliver the essential enzymes, the team is developing a **nasal spray** or an injection containing lipid nanoparticles. These carry a messenger RNA that prompts cells to produce Cas13, along with a guide RNA that directs Cas13 to the portion of viral RNA to cut. Sharon Lewin, the project leader, explains that this method disrupts the virus’s ability to reproduce, thus blocking the infection at a genetic level.
Genetic modifications of human cells
Nicholas Heaton, a professor at Duke University, and his team use Cas9 to **modify certain human genes**. One gene in particular, SLC35A1, is targeted because it produces sugars used by the virus as a receptor. The idea is to temporarily reduce the function of this gene to limit the virus’s access to cells.
By alternating the use of Cas13 and Cas9, the researchers hope to find an effective combination to **reduce the virus’s replication** while minimizing the risks of viral mutation and undesirable immune response.
Global context and implications
Seasonal flu represents a major public health challenge, with, according to Public Health France, between 3 to 5 million severe cases and up to 650,000 annual deaths worldwide. The innovative approach of the Australian researchers could potentially transform these statistics by significantly reducing the impact of the flu. By successfully targeting viral RNA and modifying human genes, this method could offer broader and more durable protection against the many strains of the virus.
Since its discovery, Crispr has been a revolutionary tool in the field of molecular biology, allowing precise modifications in the genome. Initially developed to correct rare genetic diseases, the technology quickly found applications in other research areas, including infectious diseases. The possibility of using Crispr to combat the flu represents a new step in its evolution, paving the way for innovative and potentially more effective treatments for viral diseases.