CRISPR can now block SARS-CoV2 or the virus which causes the COVID-19 virus via its gene and DNA altering technology which have been used by scientists to block different diseases. The next-generation tech can potentially help in preventing the SARS-CoV2 virus from spreading to other cells and causing its notorious spread in the body. 

SARS-CoV2 or the virus that causes COVID-19 is known for its rapid infection rate that causes a chain to progress and infect the different systems in one's body, particularly the respiratory system. Having said this, the main objective of its would-be cure is to stop the virus from spreading, especially in one's body. 

CRISPR Blocks SARS-CoV2 from Spreading

COVID-19 / Unsplash
(Photo : Unsplash)

According to a study published in Nature Communications entitled "Reprogrammed CRISPR-Cas13b suppresses SARS-CoV-2 replication and circumvents its mutational escape through mismatch tolerance," CRISPR can help in stopping the SARS-CoV2 virus from spreading. 

This was a massive breakthrough for the experts and researchers who have been studying COVID-19 and the CRISPR technology, which mainly focuses on genes or DNA. And while COVID-19 is a virus that infects people through foreign materials, it can sometimes infect people's chromosomes and slip into DNA (as per Science Mag).

This is one of the explanations as to why some people still test positive to COVID-19 tests, even after recovering from it and having been vaccinated against it.

What CRISPR does is treat it like something it can detect, and then protect against it, just like when it alters a person's DNA to avoid contracting cancer that develops in cells. 

Read Also: CDC, Fauci Thinks COVID-19 Boosters Are Not Essential As of The Moment, to Address its Need in Briefing

What is CRISPR?

According to Science Alert, CRISPR is a gene-editing tool that can help in detecting anomalies in one's DNA, chromosomes, or genes, and successfully alter it so that it would not turn into a problem. The tech is based on "prokaryotes" or the "targeted DNA-destroying defense system" in one's body and helps in protecting against these problems. 

CRISPR applied against COVID-19 or SARS-CoV2 can successfully eliminate the virus from one's body, but it would take a lengthy process as individuals would need to have their sessions to block this. 

That being said, the most ideal way to use CRISPR is to use its gathered data to create a medicine that would protect against it. 

How does Gene-Altering Stop COVID-19?

In the case of CRISPR and its researchers, COVID-19 was initially found to bond itself with a person's chromosomes or DNA. The application of CRISPR is integral here, as it can help in blocking the virus and preventing it from infecting other cells with the coronavirus, known for its rapid spread.

CRISPR technology could be used for either medicines or vaccines against COVID-19, hence its effectiveness in defending against the virus.

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Written by Isaiah Richard

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