Pathogenic respiratory viruses, exemplified by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (Flu) and parainfluenza virus (PIV), are major disease agents that kill millions of humans worldwide. Other respiratory viruses that are also potential agents of bioterrorism include highly pathogenic avian flu virus, SARS coronavirus, and the henipaviruses. Respiratory infection by RSV and PIV is the most prevalent cause of pediatric hospitalization in industrialized Western nations. In the US alone, it leads to about 100,000 admissions per year at a cost of about $300 M.

The lack of a reliable vaccine or antiviral against these viruses, in part due to the high mutation rate of the viral RNA genomes, has led to the adoption of the novel RNA interference (RNAi) strategy. There has been significant recent progress in the development of RNAi therapeutics to defeat these viral respiratory diseases.

Further reading:

• RNA Interference and Viruses: Current Innovations and Future Trends
• RNA and the Regulation of Gene Expression: A Hidden Layer of Complexity

Labels: Henipaviruses, Parainfluenza virus, Respiratory syncytial virus