RNA interference: on the road to an alternate therapeutic strategy!
RNA interference (RNAi) is a newly described natural biological phenomenon mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules which target viral mRNA for degradation by cellular enzymes. RNAi has become a method of choice for studying gene function, especially in mammalian systems. With proof-of-concept studies already presented against a wide variety of human pathogens and several innovative methods of delivering the siRNA to a wide variety of primary cells available, the role for siRNA as a potential therapeutic strategy is becoming increasingly clear. This review presents recent advances in this direction.
Dave
Rajnish S
RS
Center for Human Virology and Biodefense, Division of Infectious Diseases and Environmental Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Pomerantz
Roger J
RJ
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000628:therapy; D034622:RNA Interference; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000008:administration & dosage; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering