A tool to edit herpes out of the genome.
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
CRISPR is an exciting new tool that scientists have used to edit genomes. It was discovered that different bacteria use CRISPR to defend themselves against viral infections, and we have now adopted similar techniques for an array of diseases. Currently, CRISPR is being used to remove the genetic mutations that lead to blood disorders such as sickle cell disease. CRISPR has also been used to remove viral DNA from human cells, including HIV.
Here is how that can work to combat herpes:
- CRISPR functions like a pair of scissors that only cut when activated.
- The CRISPR scissors activate when they recognize a very specific genetic sequence.
- When programed to recognize the genetic material of herpes virus, the CRISPR scissors can then cut out those genes, preventing viral reactivation.
It’s important to remember that while there is no CRISPR tool available for HSV yet, every CRISPR breakthrough elsewhere builds the foundation for HSV progress.
Where is it commercially available and when. Please let me know
It’s not. There is no cure or vaccine for herpes (YET!)
Will this realistically happen any time soon ? I’m not sure if anyone can see my comment but I have hsv2 and even if its not a life threatening things, it feels horrible having it and I’ve been researching for a long time if herpes can realistically be cured anytime soon
I am so grateful for this research. I love that there are those bothering to nurture a cure, as an alternative to more new drugs we have to be on for the rest of our lives, without any guarantees of protection for our partners. Speaking for myself, as someone who lives with Genital HSV2, the people doing this work are angels and freedom fighters. And I am so grateful every. single. day. that you choose to give your gifts to applying CRISPR to the Herpes viruses. Freedom from the constant cycle of fear that comes from being HSV2 positive! Freedom from dependency on antivirals! Freedom from the fear of harming the one I love the most! Yay!