From Lab to Field: CRISPR-Based Gene Drives for Disease Control and Prevention: An Updated Review

The breakthrough and advancement of CRISPR/Cas9 technology as a gene editing tool has enable researchers to change gene inheritance pattern in a wild population of a species. These drives can aid in controlling crop pests, elimination of exotic species and management of human vector-borne illnesses. The gene drives based on CRISPR technology can work in two ways: either by suppressing the harmful gene or spreading the beneficial gene. However, certain biosafety, ecological and ethical concerns has been raised as these drives are intended to cross geographical boundaries of a wild species and can cause irreversible ecological impact. So, this technique is still at the intersection of applicability and accountability. In this regard, researchers should implement ethical and biosafety procedures under the regulatory bodies that ensures the mindful innovation in terms of gene drives.