Gene Scissors Fight Viral Respiratory Diseases
- Respiratory viruses pose a persistent and significant threat to global health.
- researchers at the Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectiology and Endocrinology at MHH, led by Dr.
- The potential of this approach was initially demonstrated in cell cultures with promising results against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.Dr.Krooss reported that the "gene scissors" were able...
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- Next-Generation Antiviral Therapy: “Gene Scissors” Target Viruses with Precision
Published August 21, 2025
Respiratory viruses pose a persistent and significant threat to global health. Each year, an estimated 17 billion people worldwide contract respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, resulting in approximately 2.4 million deaths. The ability of viruses to rapidly mutate and evade the immune system makes developing effective and lasting treatments incredibly challenging. Current treatment options are often limited and can be hampered by the emergence of drug resistance. A research team at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) is pioneering a novel approach: directly destroying viral RNA using a revolutionary gene-editing technology called CRISPR-Cas13.
researchers at the Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectiology and Endocrinology at MHH, led by Dr. Dr. Simon Krooss, are harnessing the power of CRISPR-Cas13. Unlike traditional antiviral drugs that aim to slow viral replication, this technology seeks to eliminate the virus’s genetic material – its RNA – preventing it from multiplying. Crucially, CRISPR-Cas13 is designed to target only viral RNA, leaving the host’s own genetic material untouched. This project, a collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine Item, is receiving a substantial boost of approximately one million euros over two years from the Volkswagen Foundation.
The potential of this approach was initially demonstrated in cell cultures with promising results against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.Dr.Krooss reported that the “gene scissors” were able to cleave up to 90% of the viral RNA in laboratory settings. Building on this success, the team is now focusing on human parainfluenzavirus 3 (HPIV3), a common cause of flu-like symptoms, notably hazardous for infants and individuals with weakened immune systems. Currently, no specific treatment or vaccine exists for HPIV3.
How CRISPR-Cas13 Works: A guided Missile for Viruses
The CRISPR-Cas13 system functions like a guided missile. The core component, the Cas13 protein, is an enzyme originally found in bacteria as a defense against viral attacks. Researchers identify specific “CRISPR guide RNAs” (crRNAs) that match conserved regions of the viral RNA – areas that remain relatively unchanged even as the virus mutates. These crRNAs act as a navigation system, directing the Cas13 enzyme to the viral RNA, where it precisely cuts and disables the virus.
delivering the “Gene Scissors” to the Lungs
Effective delivery of the CRISPR-Cas13 system to infected cells is crucial. Initially, researchers explored the use of viral vectors, but have since shifted to a more promising approach: lipid nanoparticles. These tiny, fat-based bubbles are already used in various medical applications, including therapeutic vaccines, and offer a safe and efficient way to transport the gene-editing machinery deep into the lungs. The team is collaborating with industry partners to optimize these lipid nanoparticles for maneuverability and to ensure they can reach the affected areas of the respiratory system.
The beauty of the CRISPR-Cas13 system lies in its adaptability. Because the crRNAs can be easily adjusted, the same platform can be used to target a wide range of RNA viruses. In laboratory experiments, the researchers have also observed significant antiviral activity against the highly dangerous Nipah virus and measles virus. This suggests that CRISPR-Cas13 could become a versatile tool for combating future viral outbreaks and emerging infectious diseases.