Development of a yeast-based CRISPR genome editing system for feline coronavirus.

INTRODUCTION

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV), is a highly lethal disease characterized by systemic organ infection in cats. Current challenges of FIP include the absence of definitive diagnostic criteria, effective vaccines, and targeted therapies. Developing a robust genome editing toolkit is therefore critical to unraveling FCoV replication and pathogenesis mechanisms, elucidating viral protein functions, and identifying promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

METHODS

In this study, we developed a yeast-based CRISPR genome editing system compatible with a TAR-generated FCoV infectious clone, enabling gene deletion, gene insertion, and point mutation with high efficiencies and accuracies.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This system not only will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of FCoV but also serves as a valuable platform for vaccine development. Furthermore, it offers a possible strategy for genome editing and reverse genetics for other coronaviruses.