Delivery of CRISPR-Cas systems using phage-based vectors. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fage, Clément; Lemire, Nicolas; Moineau, Sylvain
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biotechnology. Volume 68(2021)
• Page Start: 174
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.11.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1669

Abstract

Highlights: Antimicrobial resistance requires new therapeutic strategies. CRISPR-Cas systems can be repurposed as antimicrobials. Phages can be used as delivery vehicles of CRISPR-Cas but they have limitations. Phage engineering could overcome most of the limitations related to the delivery. Abstract : Antimicrobial resistance has spread quickly on a worldwide scale, reducing therapeutic options for bacterial infections. CRISPR-Cas is an adaptive immune system found in many prokaryotes that can be designed to target bacterial genomes, leading to cell death. Repurposing the CRISPR-Cas system as a therapeutic strategy offers an attractive way to overcome antimicrobial resistance. However, this strategy requires efficient vectors for the CRISPR-Cas system to reach the bacterial genomes. Engineered phages offer an attractive option as cargo delivery vectors. In this review, we discuss the production of phage-based vectors and the relevance of using repurposed CRISPR-Cas systems as antimicrobials. We also discuss recent progress in phage engineering that can potentially overcome the limitations and increase the efficiency of CRISPR-Cas delivery.