ABSTRACT
The technology of RNA interference (RNAi) allows for the destruction of any RNA in a highly specific manner. This unique feature has enabled scientists to exploit the RNAi machinery for potential therapeutic application in a variety of human diseases. Research aimed at harnessing the endogenous RNAi machinery to treat viral infections has particularly been an area of intense investigation as vaccines and antiviral drugs are lacking for the most pathogenic viruses. A greater understanding of and recent advances in RNAi design and delivery have enabled the faster movement of these therapies from the bench to the bedside. In this chapter, we focus on the use of RNAi as an anti-viral therapeutic modality with special emphasis laid on studies pertaining to preclinical and clinical testing.
