Projekt

Daten zum Projekt

Cas13d based antiviral platform to treat acute Bunyavirus infections

Initiative: Innovative Ansätze in der antiviralen Wirkstoffentwicklung
Bewilligung: 28.06.2022
Laufzeit: 3 Jahre

Projektinformationen

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has dramatically demonstrated the urgent need of effective antivirals to treat infected patients to save lives. More than 700 RNA-viruses are available that have a similar pathogenic potential to induce the next pandemic or epidemic for which neither vaccines nor antivirals are available. Among those viruses with the greatest risk potential to threaten our health are Bunyaviruses represented by Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) and the Lassa Fever Virus (LASV) according to WHO. To combat these potential treats, the project team adapted the prokaryotic CRISPR/Cas13 system towards a universal, modular antiviral using SARS-CoV-2 as proof of concept. This system consists of a generic Cas13 riboendonuclease that together with the variable gRNAs forms an effector complex to target and degrade specific viral RNA genomes in a programmable fashion. Using this system, the researchers will develop a platform technology to provide fast and easy to access specific antivirals directed against Bunyaviruses such as RVFV, LASV, La Crosse Encephalitis Virus (LACV), the Hantaan Orthohantavirus (HTNV), and the Hazara Virus (HAZV) in vitro. The best delivery route of the antiviral aerosol will be determined and the strategy will be exemplary validated by in vivo RVFV infection models.

Projektbeteiligte

  • Dr. Gregor Ebert

    Technische Universität München
    Institut für Virologie
    München

  • Dr. Lara Rheinemann

    Technische Universität München
    Institut für Virologie
    München

  • Prof. Dr. Andreas Pichlmair

    Technische Universität München
    Institut für Virologie
    München

  • Dr. Florian Giesert

    Helmholtz Zentrum München
    Deutsches Forschungszentrum für
    Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
    Institut für Entwicklungsgenetik
    München/Neuherberg