CRISPR Breakthrough Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Virus Replication in Early Lab Tests

[thackney]

CRISPR Breakthrough Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Virus Replication in Early Lab Tests
https://www.sciencealert.com/cell-study-suggests-we-might-be-able-to-stop-sars-cov-2-from-replicating
14 JULY 2021

...CRISPR, which allows scientists to alter DNA sequences and modify gene function, has already shown promise in eliminating the genetic coding that drives the development of children's cancer.

The team in Tuesday's study used an enzyme, CRISPR-Cas13b, that binds to relevant RNA sequences on the novel coronavirus and degrades the genome it needs to replicate inside human cells.

Lead author Sharon Lewin from Australia's Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity told AFP that the team had designed the CRISPR tool to recognize SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

"Once the virus is recognized, the CRISPR enzyme is activated and chops up the virus," she said....

[PeteS in CA]

If I understand the article correctly, this would be a treatment for people hospitalized with Covid, not a preventive treatment (or vaccine). And because of anti-vax BS "out there" the "gene" editing would be of the virus, not the patient receiving the treatment. This treatment may be several years away from approval, though.

[thackney]

If I understand the article correctly, this would be a treatment for people hospitalized with Covid, not a preventive treatment (or vaccine). And because of anti-vax BS "out there" the "gene" editing would be of the virus, not the patient receiving the treatment. This treatment may be several years away from approval, though.

That is the way I read it as well.