Inhibition of SARS-CoV replication by siRNA.

Abstract

Serious outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by the newly discovered coronavirus SARS-CoV, occurred between late 2002 and early 2003 and there is an urgent need for effective antiviral agents. RNA interference in animals and post-transcriptional gene silencing plants is mediated by small double-stranded RNA molecules named small interfering RNA (siRNA). Recently, siRNA-induced RNA interference(RNAi) may provide a new approach to therapy for pathogenic viruses, e.g. HIV and HCV. In this study, the silencing potential of seven synthetic siRNAs against SARS-CoV leader, TRS, 3'-UTR and Spike coding sequence have been applied to explore the possibility for prevention of SARS-CoV infection. We demonstrate that siRNAs directed against Spike sequences and the 3'-UTR can inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV in Vero-E6 cells, and holds out promise for the development of an effective antiviral agent against SARS-CoV.

• Authors: Chang-Jer Wu, Hui-Wen Huang, Chiu-Yi Liu, Cheng-Fong Hong, Yi-Lin Chan
• Journal: Antiviral research (Antiviral Res) Vol. 65 Issue 1 Pg. 45-8 (Jan 2005) ISSN: 0166-3542 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 15652970 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• 3' Untranslated Regions
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• RNA, Small Interfering
• Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
• Viral Envelope Proteins

Topics

• 3' Untranslated Regions (genetics, metabolism)
• Animals
• Chlorocebus aethiops
• Humans
• Membrane Glycoproteins (genetics, metabolism)
• RNA Interference
• RNA, Small Interfering (metabolism, pharmacology)
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (drug effects, physiology)
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (virology)
• Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
• Vero Cells
• Viral Envelope Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Virus Replication (drug effects)