abstract |
CRISPR-based diagnostic methods and compositions are provided. One embodiment provides the use of DNA-barcoded antibodies or peptide-MHC (pMHC) tetramers (e.g., Kb-OVA257-264, Db-GP10025-33, Db-GP33-41) and CRISPR-Cas protein, and a guided DNA endonuclease, to achieve ultrasensitive detection of soluble and cell surface proteins. The disclosed embodiments can use type V: Cas12a; type VI: Cas13a, or Cas13b. Combining DNA encoding with CRISPR-Cas protein recognition is a sensitive system because barcodes can be isothermally amplified and Cas, for example Cas12a, enzymatically cleaves DNA reporters upon barcode detection, providing two rounds of amplification and enabling measurement of protein concentration by sample fluorescence or using by paper-based assays. This platform enables monitoring of protein and cellular biomarkers and further expands the toolbox of CRISPR/Cas-based technologies |