CRISPR: An Elixir for Autoimmune Diseases? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Genetic studies have linked the gene polymorphisms and autoimmune disorders. In response, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and its associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) has become a promising tool for treating these diseases. The broad acceptance of CRISPR, due to its simplicity, precision, and adaptability, has significantly rushed scientific research, and fostered radical discoveries in both model species and human cells. CRISPR-Cas9 offers versatile applications for rare diseases like urea cycle disorders or hepatorenal tyrosinemia and in reducing cholesterol by targeting Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9). It can also immunomodulate the autoimmune diseases by specifically targeting genes associated with these conditions. This targeted approach holds the potential to modify the immune response, leading to the potential alleviation of disease progression. Our review underscores the ongoing exploration of CRISPR-Cas9 therapy for autoimmune disorders, emphasizing its transformative possibilities in this field. We specifically highlight the potential target genes for CRISPR-Cas9 immunomodulation in prevalent autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, type 1 coeliac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. The future holds immense promise as the remarkable advances in CRISPR-Cas9 therapies pave the way for a revolutionary transformation in the treatment of various autoimmune disorders.

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