RNA interference: on the road to an alternate therapeutic strategy!

Rev Med Virol. 2003 Nov-Dec;13(6):373-85. doi: 10.1002/rmv.407.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) is a newly described natural biological phenomenon mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules which target viral mRNA for degradation by cellular enzymes. RNAi has become a method of choice for studying gene function, especially in mammalian systems. With proof-of-concept studies already presented against a wide variety of human pathogens and several innovative methods of delivering the siRNA to a wide variety of primary cells available, the role for siRNA as a potential therapeutic strategy is becoming increasingly clear. This review presents recent advances in this direction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / therapy
  • Gene Silencing
  • Hepatitis C / therapy
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human / therapy
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • RNA, Small Interfering