Inhibition of avian leukosis virus replication by vector-based RNA interference

Virology. 2007 Sep 1;365(2):464-72. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2007.04.013. Epub 2007 May 9.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) has recently emerged as a promising antiviral technique in vertebrates. Although most studies have used exogenous short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to inhibit viral replication, vectors expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNA-mirs) in the context of a modified endogenous micro-RNA (miRNA) are more efficient and are practical for in vivo delivery. In this study, replication competent retroviral vectors were designed to deliver shRNA-mirs targeting subgroup B avian leukosis virus (ALV), the most effective of which reduced expression of protein targets by as much as 90% in cultured avian cells. Cells expressing shRNA-mirs targeting the tvb receptor sequence or the viral env(B) sequence significantly inhibited ALV(B) replication. This study demonstrates efficient antiviral RNAi in avian cells using shRNA-mirs expressed from pol II promoters, including an inducible promoter, allowing for the regulation of the antiviral effect by doxycycline.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avian Leukosis Virus / genetics*
  • Cell Line
  • Chickens
  • Coturnix
  • Genetic Vectors
  • RNA Interference*
  • Retroviridae / genetics
  • Transduction, Genetic
  • Virus Replication / genetics*