title: RNA interference against enterovirus 71 infection.
abstract: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a highly infectious major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) which could lead to severe neurological complications. There is currently no effective therapy against EV71. In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) is employed as a therapeutic approach for specific viral inhibition. Various regions of the EV71 genome were targeted for inhibition by chemically synthesized siRNAs. Transfection of rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells with siRNA targeting the 3'UTR, 2C, 3C, or 3D region significantly alleviated cytopathic effects of EV71. The inhibitory effect was dosage-dependent with a corresponding decrease in viral RNA, viral proteins, and plaque formations by EV71. Viral inhibition of siRNA transfected RD cells was still evident after 48 h. In addition, no significant adverse off-target silencing effects were observed. These results demonstrated the potential and feasibility for the use of siRNA as an antiviral therapy for EV71 infections.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, MD4A, 5 Science Drive 2, 117597, Singapore. adriansim@alumni.nus.edu.sg
authors.forename: Adrian Chong Nyi
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Luhur
authors.forename: Theresa May Chin
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Vincent Tak Kwong
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Chit Laa
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Poh
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D003588:Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D029821:Enterovirus A, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D004769:Enterovirus Infections / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D014162:Transfection; D010948:Viral Plaque Assay
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D012367:RNA, Viral