Using the CRISPR-Cas System to Solve Porcine Viral Infection-related Issues.

Viral infection-associated diseases seriously affect the development of the swine industry and pose a potential threat to the health of humans. Fortunately, the emergence of CRISPR-Cas has inspired scientists' efforts to address these viral-related issues in pigs using this technology. Based on progress in the field to date, this review summarizes the applications of the CRISPR-Cas system in dissecting the functions of swine viral genes and host factors related to their infections, improving the antiviral ability of pigs, inactivating porcine endogenous retrovirus prior to xenotransplantation, and detecting swine viruses. We also discuss the challenges of the practice of porcine genetic modification and the CRISPR-Cas system's prospects as an important tool for basic virology research and a promising strategy for controlling swine viral infection-related diseases.