Inhibition of herpes simplex virus 2 by combined targeting small interfering RNAs in vitro

Objective To investigate the inhibition of herpes simplex virus (HSV)2 by combined targeting small interfering RNAs(siRNAs) in vitro. Methods Two different siRNAs,which target HSV-2 UL27.2 gene encoding envelope glycoprotein gB and UL29.2 gene encoding DNA binding protein, were synthesized chemically in vitro. Combined siRNAs composed of these two target-specific siRNAs were transcripted and transfected into Vero cells to infect HSV-2. Real-time PCR was used to measure the effect of siRNA on target gene expression, and estimate the anti-HSV-2 effect with pathological changes, plaque reduce test and the concentrations of filial generation virus. The results were compared among groups. Results Specific U L27.2 siRNA, UL29.2 siRNA and the combined siRNA transfected into Veto cells could inhibit the cytopathic effect due to clinical strains of HSV-2 infection in varying degrees, siRNAs could effectively inhibit virus growth by 63.9%, 86.7% and 93.3%, respectively. Real-time PCR detection of the UL27.2 and UL29.2 gene expression showed that UL27.2 siRNA and UL29.2 siRNA inhibited the expression of the respective targeting genes, while combined siRNA showed the highest inhibition rate of expression. Conclusion Combined target-specific siRNAs may obviously inhibit the replication and infection of HSV-2. Key words: RNA interference; RNA; small interfering; Herpes simplex virus 2; Gene expression; Herpes genitalis