CRISPR Technology Powers New Diagnostic Tool for Monkeypox Virus

CRISPR Technology Powers New Diagnostic Tool for Monkeypox Virus

CRISPR-Powered Detection of Monkeypox Virus

In the face of the global monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak in 2022, researchers from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia have developed a novel diagnostic tool utilizing CRISPR technology. The tool, referred to as MPXV-CRISPR, is the first of its kind in Australia. It is uniquely designed to target the genetic sequences found in MPXV. By programming the CRISPR system to recognize the virus, it is able to identify specific genetic material associated with MPXV.

Engineering the Diagnostic Tool

The researchers used a database of 523 MPXV genomes to create guides that bind to the virus’s DNA. According to Dr. Soo Jen Low, a Research Officer at the Doherty Institute and co-first author of the study, CRISPR-based diagnostic tools are akin to “super precise detectives” that can quickly identify specific clues—in this case, genetic material related to the presence of specific pathogens. The team carefully engineered guides to bind to a specific part of the viral DNA, which was crucial for the success of the diagnostic tool.

Accuracy and Speed: The Advantages of MPXV-CRISPR

What sets MPXV-CRISPR apart is not just its ability to detect the virus with an accuracy similar to gold-standard PCR methods, but also the speed at which it does so. Traditional diagnostic methods may take several days to yield results, while MPXV-CRISPR can identify the virus in just 45 minutes. As Matthew O’Neill, a Research Assistant at WEHI and co-first author of the paper, explained, the current diagnostics for monkeypox rely largely on centralized laboratory settings, where test results might not be available for several days, depending on geographical and logistical considerations. The speed of MPXV-CRISPR thus marks a significant breakthrough.

Transforming MPXV-CRISPR into a Portable Device

Looking ahead, the development team is focusing on adapting MPXV-CRISPR into a portable device for rapid, on-site detection of the monkeypox virus. This aligns with the World Health Organization’s standards for diagnostic tests to be accurate, accessible, and affordable. As Dr. Shivani Pasricha, a Senior Research Officer at WEHI, Junior Laboratory Head at the Doherty Institute, and co-senior author of the paper, noted, MPXV-CRISPR has the potential to revolutionize the way we manage monkeypox. It can significantly impact public health by providing quicker and more reliable diagnoses, especially in places with limited resources and in remote areas.

The Future Impact of MPXV-CRISPR

The decentralization of testing, enabled by the transformation of MPXV-CRISPR into a portable device, could facilitate faster treatment and improve patient outcomes. It could also enhance our capacity to manage future outbreaks. The research, a collaboration between the Doherty Institute, WEHI, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, and Monash University, is a significant step toward more effective management of monkeypox, particularly in resource-limited areas.