New short interfering RNA-based therapies for glomerulonephritis

Current treatments for glomerulonephritis are not satisfactory, and the development of new therapies would be indispensable. Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are promising candidates for molecular therapy because of their strong and specific gene-silencing effects. Despite rapid progress in research into the therapeutic uses of siRNAs, however, many hurdles must be overcome before siRNA-based therapies can be brought to the clinic. Most in vivo studies of siRNA-based therapy have been limited to local administration or delivery to specific target organs, including the liver. Therapies based on siRNAs for patients with glomerulonephritis show promise, although tissue-specific protocols using siRNAs have not yet been established for this indication. This Review aims to provide an overview of the current challenges in siRNA-based therapy, primarily with respect to glomerular targeting. In addition, novel delivery approaches for glomerulus-targeted, siRNA-based therapies are described.