CRISPR Screens to Identify Immunotherapy Targets in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer mortality. Despite advances in immunotherapy, only a subset of CRC patients responds favorably, highlighting the urgent need to identify novel and effective immunotherapy targets.

CRISPR-based genome-wide screening technologies have revolutionized functional genomics by enabling systematic interrogation of gene function in complex biological systems. In the context of colorectal cancer, these powerful tools offer a unique opportunity to unravel mechanisms of immune evasion, identify new biomarkers, and discover gene targets that can enhance immunotherapeutic approaches.

This Research Topic welcomes original research, reviews, and perspectives that explore the application of CRISPR screens to uncover novel immunotherapy targets in colorectal cancer. Contributions may include, but are not limited to:

1. Development and implementation of CRISPR knockout, CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), or activation (CRISPRa) screens in CRC models
2. Identification of genetic determinants that modulate tumor-immune interactions
3. Discovery of novel immune checkpoint regulators, tumor antigens, or other therapeutic targets
4. Studies integrating multi-omics with CRISPR screens for target validation
5. Mechanistic insights into immune resistance in CRC
6. Translational studies or pipeline development for moving from CRISPR hits to preclinical drug targets
7. Challenges and advances in CRISPR screening technologies specific to the tumor microenvironment of CRC

We encourage submissions from both basic and translational scientists focusing on leveraging CRISPR-based approaches to advance the field of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: CRISPR screens, colorectal cancer, immunotherapy targets, tumor microenvironment, genome-wide functional genomics.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.