A virulent form of feline coronavirus is known to cause FIP. No effective antiviral treatment is currently available. These investigators used a relatively new technology called siRNAs to directly inhibit viral replication. A concern with this technology is the development of viral resistance to the drug, making it ineffective. To test whether combinations of different siRNAs could circumvent this problem, these investigators used different combinations of the siRNAs to delay or prevent development of resistant mutant viruses.
While treatment with a single siRNA or a combination of two siRNAs led to development of resistance, the use of three or more siRNAs at the same time on virus in cell culture prevented this. This study enhances the probability that siRNAs hold promise for future antiviral applications in cats with FIP. (MK)
See also:
Anis EA, Wilkes RP, et al. Effect of small interfering RNAs on in vitro replication and gene expression of feline coronavirus. Am J Vet Res. Am J Vet Res. 2014 Sep;75(9):828-34.
Kipar A, Meli ML. Feline infectious peritonitis: still an enigma? Vet Pathol. 2014 Mar;51(2):505-526.