CRISPR–Cas9 delivery strategies for the modulation of immune and non-immune cells

Abstract

CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing technology is a promising tool for genetically engineering immune cells and modulating immune systems. Although ex vivo genome editing of immune cells has reached clinical trials, in vivo application is still restricted by the instability and inefficient delivery of CRISPR–Cas9 components to immune cells through circulation. In this Review, we summarize ex vivo and in vivo strategies to deliver CRISPR–Cas9 components to both non-immune and immune cells. We review the progress made in non-immune cells because it offers insights that can be applied to advancing research in immune cells. We also discuss principles and challenges of immune system modulation using CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing technology.