News in Brief Genetics

CRISPR gene editor could spark immune reaction in people

Having antibodies against Cas9 ‘molecular scissors’ is common, study suggests

illustration of scissors cutting DNA

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES  Scientists doing gene editing need to be aware of potential immune system attacks against a DNA-cutting protein.

tdhster/shutterstock

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Immune reactions against proteins commonly used as molecular scissors might make CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing ineffective in people, a new study suggests.