A triple antisense RNA approach to inhibit HIV-1 multiplication

The latest paper from Daniel Shuemperli lab on HIV-1 inhibition was published online in J Gene Med. The paper and PDF versions should come out next month.

Development and characterisation of a triple combination gene therapy vector inhibiting HIV-1 multiplication (p n/a)
Maria B. Asparuhova, Isabelle Barde, Didier Trono, Karin Schranz, Daniel Schümperli
Published Online: Jul 21 2008 3:31AM
DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1238

A triple antisense RNA approach to inhibit HIV-1 multiplication

Antisense RNAs can lead to the degradation or to changes in splicing of a particular mRNA. Applied to viruses such as HIV-1, they may be used therapeutically. They can block virtually any step of the viral replication cycle. Used in combinations, they can also achieve a tighter and more long-lasting inhibition. Asparuhova et al. have developed a vector carrying three different antisense RNAs: Two of them work by degrading viral RNAs and the mRNA for a HIV-1 host factor (cyclophilin A). The third antisense RNA affects the splicing of viral mRNAs. This combination causes a very potent inhibition of viral replication in human T-lymphocytes, suggesting that it may be developed into a gene therapy for HIV/AIDS.