siRNA-based topical microbicides targeting sexually transmitted infections.
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.
Katakowski
Joseph A
JA
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Palliser
Deborah
D
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
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering