Transcriptional gene silencing as a genetic therapy for HIV-1. (July 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turner, Anne-Marie W; Morris, Kevin V
• Is Part Of: Future HIV therapy. Volume 2:Number 4(2008)
• Page Start: 339
• Page End: 349
• Publication Date: 2008-07
• Subjects: epigenetics -- gene silencing -- genetic therapy -- HIV-1 -- RNAi -- small RNA -- transcription; HIV (Viruses) -- Treatment -- Periodicals; HIV (Viruses) -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.979206
• DOI: 10.2217/17469600.2.4.339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-9600

Abstract

The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) has resulted in a new class of biological agents that can specifically downmodulate HIV-1 gene expression. Delivery of these RNAi-based agents and the emergence of viral resistance present pressing issues in the use of RNAi in a genetic-based therapy for HIV-1. Here, we discuss a potential avenue around viral resistance and a targeted delivery scheme for treating HIV-1-infected individuals involving transcriptional gene silencing. Specifically, the use of small antisense RNAs targeted to the viral promoter regions and delivery by lentiviral-based mobilization-competent vectors expressing these promoter targeted RNAs may prove therapeutically relevant in a genetic therapy-based approach to treating HIV-1 infection.