title: siRNA-based topical microbicides targeting sexually transmitted infections.
abstract: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although a vaccine is available for HPV, no effective vaccines exist for the HIV-1 and HSV-2 viral pathogens, and there are no cures for these infections. Furthermore, recent setbacks in clinical trials, such as the failure of the STEP trial to prevent HIV-1 infection, have emphasized the need to develop alternative approaches to interrupt the transmission of these pathogens. One alternative strategy is represented by the use of topically applied microbicides, and such agents are being developed against various viruses. RNAi-based microbicides have recently been demonstrated to prevent HSV-2 transmission, and may be useful for targeting multiple STIs. In this review, microbicides that are under development for the prevention of STIs are described, with a focus on topically applied microbicidal siRNAs.
authors.affiliation: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Katakowski
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Palliser
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering