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Published on: May 5, 2014
Development and application of ribonucleic acid therapy strategies against COVID-19
Lin Ning1,2, Mujiexin Liu3, Yushu Gou2
1School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), remaining a global health crisis since its outbreak until now. Advanced biotechnology and research findings have revealed many suitable viral and host targets for a wide range of therapeutic strategies. The emerging ribonucleic acid therapy can modulate gene expression by post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) based on Watson-Crick base pairing. RNA therapies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), ribozymes, RNA interference (RNAi), aptamers, etc., were used to treat SARS-CoV whose genome is similar to SARV-CoV-2, and the past experience also applies for the treatment of COVID-19. Several studies against SARS-CoV-2 based on RNA therapeutic strategy have been reported, and a dozen of relevant preclinical or clinical trials are in process globally. RNA therapy has been a very active and important part of COVID-19 treatment. In this review, we focus on the progress of ribonucleic acid therapeutic strategies development and application, discuss corresponding problems and challenges, and suggest new strategies and solutions.
Insights
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapies offer promising strategies for treating COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2. This review explores RNA therapeutic advancements, challenges, and future solutions for the ongoing pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, remains a global health crisis.
- RNA therapies, utilizing post-transcriptional gene silencing, show potential for treating viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress of RNA therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.
- To discuss challenges and propose future solutions for RNA-based treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RNA therapies for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical trial data for RNA-based COVID-19 treatments.
Main Results:
- Several RNA therapeutic strategies, including antisense oligonucleotides and RNA interference, are being investigated for COVID-19.
- Numerous preclinical and clinical trials are underway globally, indicating active research in this area.
Conclusions:
- RNA therapy is a significant and evolving component of COVID-19 treatment strategies.
- Addressing current challenges is crucial for optimizing RNA-based therapies against SARS-CoV-2.
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