Protection against lethal Marburg virus infection mediated by lipid encapsulated small interfering RNA.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Marburg virus (MARV) infection causes severe morbidity and mortality in humans and nonhuman primates. Currently, there are no licensed therapeutics available for treating MARV infection. Here, we present the in vitro development and in vivo evaluation of lipid-encapsulated small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of MARV infection.

Methods

The activity of anti-MARV siRNAs was assessed using dual luciferase reporter assays followed by in vitro testing against live virus. Lead candidates were tested in lethal guinea pig models of 3 different MARV strains (Angola, Ci67, Ravn).

Results

Treatment resulted in 60%-100% survival of guinea pigs infected with MARV. Although treatment with siRNA targeting other MARV messenger RNA (mRN

SUBMITTER: Ursic-Bedoya R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3903369 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature