Oligonucleotides as antivirals: dream or realistic perspective?
Many reports have been published on antiviral activity of synthetic oligonucleotides, targeted to act either by a true antisense effect or via non-sequence specific interactions. This short review will try to evaluate the current status of the field by focusing on the effects as reported for inhibition of either HSV-1, HCMV or HIV-1. Following an introduction with a historical background and a brief discussion on the different types of constructs and mechanisms of action, the therapeutic potential of antisense oligonucleotides as antivirals, as well as possible pitfalls upon their evaluation will be discussed.
Van Aerschot
Arthur
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Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. arthur.vanaerschot@rega.kuleuven.be
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000187:drug effects*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000187:drug effects*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense