Taming Influenza Virus: Role of Antisense Technology.

Taming Influenza Virus: Role of Antisense Technology.
Curr Mol Med. 2015 Jun 30;
Authors: Jain B, Jain A
Abstract
Human Influenza A virus (IAV), a relatively newer threat to mankind, is becoming invincible due to non-availability of proper antiviral drug or effective long lasting vaccine against it. All existing measures to control this virus are overpowered by the phenomena of genetic shift and drift shown by Influenza A virus (IAV). Throughout the world, researchers are exploring the therapeutic potential of antisense technology (AST) to fight against this genetically variable virus. Antisense technology refers to the laboratory manipulation and/or modification of DNA or RNA so that its components (nucleotides) hybridize with target nucleic acid or mRNA or protein itself to inhibit the protein finally encoded. RNA inhibitory (RNAi) mechanism (particularly siRNA) seems to be the most promising among the different agents of AST. However, other agents like oligonucleotides, ribozymes and DNAzymes also show great potential. Decoys and aptamers, alone or in conjunction with other agents, are also being explored to inhibit the replication of virus. Presently, most of these agents have passed initial level of in vitro and in vivo experiments, passing through various levels of clinical trials but none of them has been approved for human purpose till date. Present review consolidates the efforts of researchers worldwide in this particular f...

Source: Current Molecular Medicine - June 30, 2015 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Jain B, Jain A Tags: Curr Mol Med Source Type: research