A brief note on the scope of RNA interference(RNAi) therapy in mitigating COVID-19

Abstract

Together with the use of number of repurposed/ repositioned antiviral drugs and immunomodulatory agents against the severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, currently several vaccines are under human trials to mitigate the COVID-19 worldwide. Although the drugs and vaccines appear to be effective in maximum cases or trials; however, the associated side effects, the required induction of the long-lasting immunity, and finally, the safety concerns are of significance in terms of their consistent application/ administration. A vast research on the SARS-CoV-2 genomics and on its similarities with SARS-CoV-1 and with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have unraveled the viral avoidance of the host immunity which creates a challenge in course of effective vaccine development although several COVID-19 vaccines are currently being used commercially worldwide. Such an unsteady circumstance led the scientists also to think on a new remedial approach i.e., the RNA interference (RNAi) therapy to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 proliferation by degrading the viral RNAs. Present review discussed such strategy and its effectiveness during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.