In Vitro assessment of the Therapeutic and Prophylactic Potential of CRISPR-Cas13d Methodology in Hepatitis C Virus Infection

• Grant number: 23/02931-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: João Pessoa Araújo Junior
• Grantee: Kayo de Paiva Pereira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biotecnologia (IBTEC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the main drivers of hepatic inflammation worldwide, being a leading contributor to the occurrence of liver cirrhosis, hepatocarcinoma, and consequently liver transplants. Although there is no vaccine available against HCV, advances in direct-acting antiviral therapy have presented above-average results in terms of viral inhibition, despite the fact that they need to be updated frequently to keep up with the emergence of new resistant variants. Thus, the continuous development of effective therapeutic strategies against hepatitis C virus is of paramount importance. To this end, this study seeks to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of the CRISPR-Cas13d In vitro technique, as it has been suggested for such purposes in previous studies, providing a promising avenue for further research.