Oligomeric Nucleic Acids as Antivirals 英文参考文献.docVIP

Molecules 2011, 16, 1271-1296; doi:10.3390/molecule OPEN ACCESS molecules ISSN 1420-3049 /journal/molecules Review Oligomeric Nucleic Acids as Antivirals Alessandra Mescalchin and Tobias Restle * Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine (CSCM), Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: restle@imm.uni-luebeck.de; Tel.: +49-451-5002745; Fax: +49-451-5002731. Received: 20 December 2010; in revised form: 12 January 2011 / Accepted: 25 January 2011 / Published: 28 January 2011 Abstract: Based on the natural functions and chemical characteristics of nucleic acids, a variety of novel synthetic drugs and tools to explore biological systems have become available in recent years. To date, a great number of antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference-based tools, CpG-containing oligonucleotides, catalytic oligonucleotides, decoys and aptamers has been produced synthetically and applied successfully for understanding and manipulating biological processes and in clinical trials to treat a variety of diseases. Their versatility and potency make them equally suited candidates for fighting viral infections. Here, we describe the different types of nucleic acid-based antivirals, their mechanism of action, their advantages and limitations, and their future prospects. Keywords: therapeutics; viruses; inhibition; viral replication; oligonucleotides 1. Introduction Generally, to prevent viral infection vaccines are used, which stimulate the immune system leading to an artificially acquired immunity against a specific virus. For this purpose, attenuated or inactivated viruses and in some cases viral structural proteins are applied in combination with adjuvants that enhance immune response. However, viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV)