Enzyme scissors recognize and cut the viral RNA, leaving the host cell unharmed. This opens up new antiviral strategies against hepatitis E.
Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have developed a new antiviral concept. Using the CRISPR/Cas13 system, we were able to specifically inhibit hepatitis E virus replication in human cells. Hepatitis E is a common cause of acute liver inflammation worldwide, but effective specific treatments are still lacking. A team from Germany’s Ruhr University Bochum has now demonstrated that viruses can be targeted using an RNA-directed CRISPR system. The results, published in the journal JHEP Reports on May 4, 2026, offer new perspectives for the development of antiviral strategies.
Blocking virus replication
At the heart of the research is the CRISPR/Cas13d system, which, unlike the better-known Cas9, cuts RNA rather than DNA. Researchers have developed a short guide RNA (crRNA) that recognizes a specific part of the hepatitis E virus. “Our approach exploits the ability of Cas13 to specifically recognize and destroy viral RNA,” explains Yannick Brüggemann. In cell culture experiments, this significantly reduced virus replication and production of infectious virus particles.
A crRNA targeting a region of the viral genome called ORF1 was particularly effective. These significantly reduced both the number of infected cells and virus production, but cell viability was unaffected.
“This shows that we can attack the virus very specifically without damaging the cells,” says Eik-Steinman.
A small combination is enough
Another focus was to identify as few crRNAs as possible that could cover many viral variants. Using bioinformatics analysis, the research team showed that just three to four crRNAs were sufficient to target the majority of known hepatitis E virus variants. This combination could help counter the rapid adaptability of the virus. “A wide range of effects can be achieved with just a few targeted components,” says Emily Richter.
Prospects for new antiviral strategies
This study provides an important proof of concept for a CRISPR-based antiviral approach against hepatitis E. However, further steps are required before clinical application, especially regarding safe and efficient delivery into the body.
funding
This research was supported by the German Research Foundation and the German Center for Infectious Disease Research, among others.
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Reference magazines:
Richter, E. others. (2026) Development of a CRISPR-Cas13-based antiviral strategy against hepatitis E virus. JHEP report. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2026.101885. https://www.jhep-reports.eu/article/S2589-5559(26)00156-4/fulltext
