Unlocking Therapeutic Potential: Enhanced shRNA Delivery with Tat Peptide in the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Treatment.

PURPOSE

This research investigated the development of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules designed to target specific regions of the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) M and F genes. The study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of these shRNAs and evaluate the effectiveness of Tat peptide-mediated delivery in enhancing their functionality.

METHODS

We acquired isolates from pediatric patients experiencing respiratory illness then cultured in HEp-2 cells. We constructed plasmids expressing shRNAs. Tat peptide as a facilitator for shRNA plasmid delivery was used. The cytotoxicity of ribavirin, shRNA constructs, and control agents was assessed using the MTT assay. The transfection efficiency of Tat peptide-mediated shRNA delivery with that of lipofectamine 3000 were compared. Finally, real-time PCR was employed to quantify HRSV replication in the treated cells.

RESULTS

Tat peptide-mediated delivery of shRNA plasmids significantly suppressed the expression of the M and F genes of HRSV compared to lipofectamine 3000. This suppression was evident in both short-term experiments and scenarios involving stable shRNA expression. Furthermore, the combination of ribavirin with shRNA treatment resulted in a substantial reduction in viral load. Notably, the most pronounced antiviral effect was observed when both shRNAs were employed simultaneously.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that Tat peptide-mediated delivery of shRNA plasmids holds significant potential for achieving stable suppression of HRSV genes. This approach warrants further investigation as a potential gene therapy strategy for HRSV. By demonstrating promising results in vitro, this study highlights the need for future in vivo studies to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic potential of this approach in a clinical setting.