Cationic lipids enhance siRNA-mediated interferon response in mice.
RNA interference mediated by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) shows promise as a powerful research tool for gene function studies. However, controversy exists over the potential of siRNA-induced interferon response in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we showed that although intravenous administration of siRNA alone is essentially inert, injection of siRNA complexed with cationic liposomes resulted in a potent induction of both type I and type II interferon responses. Furthermore, i.v. administration of cationic lipid/siRNA complexes led to activation of STAT1. This study suggests caution in data interpretation and the potential toxicity with in vivo use of siRNA, particularly when delivered via a cationic lipid vector. This study also suggests the potential of siRNA as an immunostimulatory agent for immunotherapy.
Ma
Zheng
Z
Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Li
Jiang
J
He
Fengtian
F
Wilson
Annette
A
Pitt
Bruce
B
Li
Song
S
D000818:Animals; D002412:Cations / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007372:Interferons / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4
D002412:Cations; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C493487:Tlr4 protein, mouse; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4; D007372:Interferons; C070046:1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propane