Genome editing of CXCR4 by CRISPR/cas9 confers cells resistant to HIV-1 infection

Sci Rep. 2015 Oct 20:5:15577. doi: 10.1038/srep15577.

Abstract

Genome editing via CRISPR/Cas9 has become an efficient and reliable way to make precise, targeted changes to the genome of living cells. CXCR4 is a co-receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and has been considered as an important therapeutic target for AIDS. CXCR4 mediates viral entry into human CD4(+) cells by binding to envelope protein, gp120. Here, we show that human CXCR4 gene is efficiently disrupted by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, leading to HIV-1 resistance of human primary CD4(+) T cells. We also show that the Cas9-mediated ablation of CXCR4 demonstrated high specificity and negligible off-target effects without affecting cell division and propagation. The precise and efficient genome editing of CXCR4 will provide a new strategy for therapeutic application against HIV-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems* / genetics
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Disease Resistance / genetics*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Targeting*
  • Genetic Loci
  • HIV Infections / genetics*
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • RNA Editing*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / genetics*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, CXCR4