CRISPR-Cas13b-mediated suppression of HBV replication and protein expression

New antiviral approaches that target multiple aspects of the HBV replication cycle to improve rates of functional cure are urgently required. HBV RNA represents a novel therapeutic target. Here, we programmed CRISPR-Cas13b endonuclease to specifically target the HBV pregenomic RNA and viral mRNAs in a novel approach to reduce HBV replication and protein expression.