Viruses, Vol. 16, Pages 1489: RNAi-Induced Gene Silencing against Chikungunya and COVID-19: What Have We Learned So Far, and What Is the Way Forward?

Viruses, Vol. 16, Pages 1489: RNAi-Induced Gene Silencing against Chikungunya and COVID-19: What Have We Learned So Far, and What Is the Way Forward?

Viruses doi: 10.3390/v16091489

Authors: Kingshuk Panda Kalichamy Alagarasu Rajarshee Tagore Mandar Paingankar Satyendra Kumar Manish Kumar Jeengar Sarah Cherian Deepti Parashar

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which small RNA molecules (such as small interfering RNAs or siRNAs) bind to specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to its degradation and inhibition of protein synthesis. Our studies have shown that RNAi can effectively silence genes involved in the replication of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in cells. However, these investigations were performed only in laboratory settings and have yet to be tested in human clinical trials. Researchers need to conduct more research to determine the safety and efficacy of RNAi-based therapies as a therapeutic agent to treat viral infections. In this review, the history of evolution of siRNA as an inhibitor of protein synthesis, along with its current developments, is discussed based on our experience. Moreover, this review examines the hurdles and future implications associated with siRNA based therapeutic approaches.