Inhibition of FIV replication by a ribozyme that targets the Rev response element

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) Rev protein and its cognate sequence the Rev response element (RRE) are essential for virus replication. Thus, the inhibition of either Rev or RRE function can significantly inhibit FIV replication. In the present study, we constructed a ribozyme that targets the RRE sequence and determined its ability to inhibit FIV replication. The RRE ribozyme cleaved the target molecule both in vitro and in FIV-infected cells. Furthermore, FIV replication was reduced significantly in the presence of the RRE ribozyme. FIV provides a good animal model system with which to develop novel antiviral strategies for the human immunodeficiency virus.