RNAi: VIRAL THERAPEUTICS

Abstract

RNA interference or RNAi is a natural biological response in eukaryotic cells as their antiviral defense mechanisms. RNAi protects a range of organisms by gene silencing or down regulating protein expression. RNAi induces the activation of ribonucleases targeting degradation of RNA molecules encoding proteins. Genomic alterations have also been observed due to RNAi mechanisms. RNAi has been an important part of biomedical research in terms of elimination and control of viral pathogens. Also RNAi intermediates as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are noted to aid antiviral immunity. RNAi has also been involved in targeted transfer and activation of certain molecules which help in treatment of certain clinical disorders. This technique has been used in many applications owed to its adaptabilities. RNAi is resilient over other techniques of gene editing attributed to its dose-dependent applications providing the user a better control. The highly efcient results of RNAi have paved its way for its application in viral infection diagnosis, control and treatment.