LAUSR

ABSTRACT Introduction: CRISPR-Cas9 has emerged as an important new tool for genetic engineering. While much has been written about the potential of this technology to treat human disease, relatively little has attention has been paid to the ways in which it might further the study of human fungal pathogens. Areas covered: In this paper, the authors review what is known about the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in the study of invasive mycoses, including species of Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus, and explore how this platform might be used to identify novel drug targets. Expert commentary: The authors investigate the ways CRISPR might be utilized to modify human diseases that predispose patients to invasive fungal infections, including human immunodeficiency virus, chronic granulomatous disease, and CARD9 deficiency, and highlight the substantial controversy regarding its application in clinical practice.