Targeting Beclin1 as an Adjunctive Therapy against HIV Using Mannosylated Polyethylenimine Nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT: Using nanoparticle-based RNA interference (RNAi), we have previously shown that silencing the host autophagic protein, Beclin1, in HIV-infected human microglia and astrocytes restricts HIV replication and its viral-associated inflammatory responses. Here, we confirmed the efficacy of Beclin1 small interfering RNA (siBeclin1) as an adjunctive antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapy in myeloid human microglia and primary human astrocytes infected with HIV, both with and without exposure to combined antiretroviral (cART) drugs. To specifically target human microglia and human astrocytes, we used a nanoparticle (NP) comprised of linear cationic polyethylenimine (PEI) conjugated with mannose (Man) and encapsulated with siBeclin1. The target specificity of the PEI-Man NP was confirmed in vitro u

SUBMITTER: Rodriguez M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7915950 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature