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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Evaluation of the Efficacy And Toxicity of RNAs Targeting HIV-1 Production for Use in Gene or Drug Therapy
Published on: September 5, 2016
[Do antisense oligonucleotides improve viral immunopathology?]
S Wasmuth1, D Bauer, K P Steuhl
1Ophtha-Lab und Augenabteilung, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster.
Background:
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha as a proinflammatory cytokine is of great importance during the development of herpes simplex virus-1 keratitis (HSK). In this study the local administration of antisense oligonucleotides (ASON) targeting TNF-alpha was examined for its usefulness in ameliorating this disease.
Methods:
Uptake and efficacy of the oligonucleotides were studied in vitro by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Substance- and sequence-specific influences on the development of HSK were scrutinized in an animal model.
Results:
Quick and stable uptake of FITC-labeled ASON by isolated spleen and lymph node cells was proved. The production of TNF-alpha by these cells after stimulation with HSV antigen or concanavalin A (ConA) was clearly downregulated after addition of ASON. In vivo, incidence and development of HSK were ameliorated after subepithelial corneal injection of ASON targeting TNF-alpha. When buffer and control oligonucleotides were given, no significant influence on the disease was found.
Conclusion:
The ASON effectively reduced TNF-alpha secretion in vitro and suppressed the development of experimental HSK in vivo.
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