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Overcoming the Challenges of siRNA Activation of Innate Immunity: Design Better Therapeutic siRNAs

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RNA Interference

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1218))

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved regulatory mechanism of posttranscriptional gene silencing triggered by either endogenously (e.g. microRNAs) or exogenously double-stranded RNA as small interfering (si) RNAs. To date, the use of siRNA (21-nt) has become a standard laboratory tool to silence gene expression in mammalian cells in-vitro and in-vivo. The methodology also holds promise for treating a diversity of human diseases. However, one of the challenges of making siRNAs as therapeutic drugs includes the activation of innate immunity and silencing of unwanted genes. Therefore, the use of siRNAs in functional genomics and human therapies depends on the development of strategies to overcome siRNA unwanted effects. This chapter highlights some efficient strategies aimed at separating gene silencing from immunostimulation and improving siRNA gene silencing specificity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo, N-310, Norway

    Mouldy Sioud

  2. Department of Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Ullernchausseen 70, Montebello, Oslo, N-310, Norway

    Mouldy Sioud

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Correspondence to Mouldy Sioud .

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  1. Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo, Norway

    Mouldy Sioud

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Sioud, M. (2015). Overcoming the Challenges of siRNA Activation of Innate Immunity: Design Better Therapeutic siRNAs. In: Sioud, M. (eds) RNA Interference. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1218. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1538-5_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1538-5_19

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-1537-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-1538-5

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