Key Points
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RNA interference (RNAi) is the process by which double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) induces silencing of homologous, endogenous and exogenous genes. This offers a powerful process to regulate gene expression to determine the role of specific proteins in biological processes.
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The replication of viruses, such as HIV-1, depends on cellular factors that can oppose or enhance virus replication. RNAi can be used to manipulate the expression of these cellular factors to examine their role in virus replication.
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Several strategies are being developed to introduce interfering RNAs into cells that are normally infected by viruses, so facilitating the study of HIV biology by RNAi.
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The use of RNAi as a therapeutic approach to virus infections such as AIDS faces several obstacles. However, because of its mechanism of action, RNAi-based therapeutic approaches might prove effective where other antiviral agents in use at present have failed.
Abstract
In cells of organisms, ranging from nematodes to primates, there is a process known as RNA interference (RNAi) that effects the degradation of RNA in a highly sequence-specific manner. Scientists have figured out a way to co-opt elements of the RNAi machinery such that almost any RNA can be targeted for degradation. It is now clear that HIV-1 is fair game for RNAi; viral RNA intermediates have been targeted as well as messenger RNAs for cellular co-factors that are required for replication of HIV-1. The hope is that RNAi can be used not only as a research tool, but also as a therapeutic strategy for infection with HIV-1.
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Glossary
- GENOMIC VIRAL RNA
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A viral RNA intermediate that is packaged in virus particles and that is converted into a complemetary DNA after introduction into the target cell.
- PROVIRUS
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A retroviral complementary DNA that is integrated in the chromosomal DNA of the host cell.
- NUCLEOCYTOPLASMIC SHUTTLING
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The process by which macromolecules, either of host or of exogenous (for example, virus) origin, move between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- FOLLICULAR DENDRITIC CELLS
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Cells in the lymph node that present antigens within immune complexes to B cells.
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Stevenson, M. Dissecting HIV-1 through RNA interference. Nat Rev Immunol 3, 851–858 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/nri1227
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nri1227
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