This is the first time that the RNA interference method has been used to treat a human viral infection, reports New Scientist.
In 2006, Andrew Z. Fire and Craig C. Mello were awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the phenomenon of RNA interference – switching off the activity of genes using double-stranded RNA fragments. However, only now has it been possible to use this method to treat people infected with RSV.
RSV causes respiratory infections with a runny nose and cough – it is estimated that every child will develop at least one such infection by the age of two. While this infection is usually not serious, about one million children die each year, directly or indirectly, from RSV. For adults, this virus is much less dangerous.
Short RNA fragments introduced into a cell disable RNA molecules with a complementary sequence (matching them) – thanks to which they can prevent the production of proteins encoded by a given gene.
John DeVincenzo from the University of Tennessse Health Science Center in Memphis investigated the ability of short RNA fragments (siRNAs) to inactivate RSV viruses. 85 healthy adults were given a spray containing either placebo or siRNA once a day for five days. On the second day of the experiment, all volunteers were infected with RSV. 44 percent of the protected siRNAs became infected, while 71 percent of the placebo group became infected.
Currently, the author of the study experimentally gives siRNA to people after lung transplantation who are taking drugs that reduce immunity – the RSV virus would be a lethal threat to them. Trials with newborns are also expected to begin soon. Unfortunately, in the case of diseases that do not affect the respiratory tract, introducing siRNA into cells will be much more difficult (PAP).