Exosome delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 to target hepatitis B in liver cells
Official title: Engineered exosomes carrying synthetic gRNA/Cas9 targeting HBV-infected cells
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11289436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Testing a non-viral exosome delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 to remove hepatitis B virus DNA from infected liver cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $497,714 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177624-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11289436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chronic hepatitis B infection, especially those with persistent viral DNA despite current antiviral therapy, would be the likely candidates for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without active HBV infection (for example, vaccinated or previously resolved infections) or those with irreversible end-stage liver failure are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
Researchers are developing tiny natural particles called exosomes to carry CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tools into HBV-infected liver cells. They will design synthetic guide RNAs and load Cas9 protein into exosomes, then test targeting, antiviral activity, biodistribution, and safety in cell and animal models. The team aims to avoid viral delivery methods to reduce insertional risks and off-target effects while improving delivery to hepatocytes. If the approach shows good specificity and safety in preclinical tests, it could set the stage for future human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could clear the viral DNA that keeps hepatitis B alive and move toward a one-time curative therapy.
How similar studies have gone: CRISPR-based antiviral approaches have shown promise in cells and animal models, but using engineered exosomes to deliver gRNA/Cas9 is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Zhi Q. — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Yao, Zhi Q.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.