Antisense strategies for the control of aberrant gene expression

Antisense nucleic acids have been shown to be potent and specific inhibitors of gene expression and viral replication in cells from various species, including mammals. Their potential applicability in vivo has been demonstrated by the use of antisense oligonucleotides and antisense RNA transcribed from recombinant antisense genes, respectively. It is conceivable that both classes of antisense nucleic acids can be used to correct pathogenic cellular or viral gene expression, thereby extending the range of therapeutic options from new techniques developed in the field of molecular biology. Possible improvements in the inhibitory potential of antisense nucleic acids and selected points to consider concerning their design, their function, and their application are discussed.