[RNA interference as antiviral strategy].
RNA interference is the inhibition of gene expression at the level of messenger RNA (mRNA) mediated by small RNA molecules. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is an important immune defence mechanism in plants and non-vertebrates. In addition, synthetic siRNAs can be used to inhibit gene expression also in human cells. More than 500 microRNAs (miRNAs), however, are involved in the natural regulation of gene expression in humans, e. g., in development-specific gene expression in embryogenesis or organ development. Although a role of miRNAs in antiviral immune defence has been discussed for some time, only recently virus-promoting as well as antiviral properties of defined miRNAs have been identified in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The understanding of the mechanisms of action of miRNA might lead to new antiviral and preventive strategies.
Neumann-Haefelin
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Abteilung Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg. christoph.neumann-haefelin@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Blum
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HE
Thimme
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D000818:Animals; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000276:immunology*; D034622:RNA Interference / Q000276:immunology*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000276:immunology*
D035683:MicroRNAs; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering