RNAi, a new therapeutic strategy against viral infection.
RNA interference (RNAi) is an adaptive defense mechanism triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). It is a powerful reverse genetic tool that has been widely employed to silence gene expression in mammalian and human cells. RNAi-based gene therapies, especially in viral diseases have become more and more interesting and promising. Recently, small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used to protect host from viral infection, inhibit the expression of viral antigen and accessory genes, control the transcription and replication of viral genome, hinder the assembly of viral particles, and display influences in virus-host interactions. In this review, we attempt to present recent progresses of this breakthrough technology in the above fields and summarize the possibilities of siRNA-based drugs.
Tan
Fischer L
FL
Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China.
Yin
James Q
JQ
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D034622:RNA Interference / Q000502:physiology; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering