Regulation of allergy with RNA interference.
Allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis are clinically challenging. Although current treatments such as antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and corticosteroids are effective at reducing symptoms, they do not address the underlying cause of the allergic response. Therefore, novel therapies that target upstream causative events in allergic diseases are desirable. The induction of RNA interference (RNAi) by small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a potent method for specifically knocking down molecular targets. Gene modulation by siRNA is therapeutically promising, with clinical safety and feasibility already demonstrated. However, to our knowledge, the use of siRNA in the area of allergic disease has been limited. Recently, we demonstrated the inhibition of CD40 by siRNA as a means of inhibiting allergic reactions. RNAi-based therapies represent a novel and promising strategy for the control of both the symptoms of allergy and the cause of the allergic response. Here we discuss the potential of siRNA in the treatment of allergic diseases by focusing on molecular and cellular interactions involved in the allergic cascade.
Suzuki
Motohiko
M
Departments of Surgery and Pathology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. suzu-mo@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp
Zheng
Xiufen
X
Zhang
Xusheng
X
Zhang
Yuwei
Y
Ichim
Thomas E
TE
Min
Weiping
W
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics
D034741:RNA, Small Interfering