Novel dual inhibitory function aptamer-siRNA delivery system for HIV-1 therapy

Mol Ther. 2008 Aug;16(8):1481-9. doi: 10.1038/mt.2008.92. Epub 2008 May 6.

Abstract

The successful use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for therapeutic purposes requires safe and efficient delivery to specific cells and tissues. In this study, we demonstrate cell type-specific delivery of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV) siRNAs through fusion to an anti-gp120 aptamer. The envelope glycoprotein is expressed on the surface of HIV-1-infected cells, allowing binding and internalization of the aptamer-siRNA chimeric molecules. We demonstrate that the anti-gp120 aptamer-siRNA chimera is specifically taken up by cells expressing HIV-1 gp120, and that the appended siRNA is processed by Dicer; this releases an anti-tat/rev siRNA which, in turn, inhibits HIV replication. We show for the first time a dual functioning aptamer-siRNA chimera in which both the aptamer and the siRNA portions have potent anti-HIV activities. We also show that gp120 expressed on the surface of HIV-infected cells can be used for aptamer-mediated delivery of anti-HIV siRNAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / genetics*
  • Blotting, Northern
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism
  • Eukaryotic Cells / virology
  • Gene Silencing*
  • HCT116 Cells
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / genetics*
  • HIV Infections / genetics
  • HIV Infections / therapy
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • Humans
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120
  • RNA, Small Interfering