Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Clinical Isolates Respond to UL29-Targeted siRNA Swarm Treatment Independent of Their Acyclovir Sensitivity.

ABSTRACT: Acyclovir is the drug of choice for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. Acyclovir-resistant HSV strains may emerge, especially during long-term drug use, and subsequently cause difficult-to-treat exacerbations. Previously, we set up a novel treatment approach, based on enzymatically synthesized pools of siRNAs, or siRNA swarms. These swarms can cover kilobases-long target sequences, reducing the likelihood of resistance to treatment. Swarms targeting the UL29 essential gene of HSV-1 have demonstrated high efficacy against HSV-1 in vitro and in vivo. Here, we assessed the antiviral potential of a UL29 siRNA swarm against circulating strains of HSV-1, in comparison with acyclovir. All circulating strains were sensitive to both antivirals, with the half-maximal inhi

SUBMITTER: Kalke K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7764767 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature