FLC | Sandia genetic research could have applications beyond COVID-19

Sandia genetic research could have applications beyond COVID-19

April 30, 2020

Two researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are using genetic resequencing tools to develop antiviral technology that won't just stop the COVID-19 pandemic in its tracks, but can also be reprogrammed to target future viruses.

Biochemist Joe Schoeniger and virologist Oscar Negrete are working on genetically engineering a deployable antiviral countermeasure for COVID-19 using CRISPR-based technology. This CRISPR-based research is funded by the Biological Technologies Office in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

“The goal is to find new ‘reloadable’ countermeasures for viral outbreaks that do not have to be re-invented every time,” Schoeniger said. “CRISPR is a technology that allows us to address specific sequences of DNA and RNA, safely editing genes or controlling gene expression, to target viruses and improve the body’s ability to resist infection.”

Once their research is complete, the antiviral will be able to be customized to respond to many different viruses, including coronavirus.

“We are developing safe CRISPR-based technologies that send temporary reprogramming codes to your body that will inhibit virus infection,” Negrete said. “We’re also developing nanoparticle delivery systems to protect the CRISPR constructs until they get to the right cells and tissues to modulate the body’s response.”

The team is conducting proof-of-concept trials now, after which other institutions involved in the research will conduct animal testing of the modified genes. Schoeniger said the work will continue even if this outbreak is controlled.

“There’s a long tail that’s going to be around for a while,” he said. “Things can happen during that tail that we can’t know. We want to help reinforce that response to not only a new outbreak of COVID-19 but outbreaks of all kinds.”