RNA-Gold Nanorod Complexes Block Growth of Influenza Virus

Microscopic gold rods (gold nanorods) loaded with single stranded RNA (ssRNA) have been used to block the growth of influenza H1N1 viruses in a culture system.

Investigators at the University of Buffalo (New York, USA) in collaboration with colleagues at the [U.S.] Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta, GA, USA) used gold nanorods to form what they called "nanoplexes” with 5′PPP-ssRNA. The nanoplexes were readily taken up by human respiratory bronchial epithelial cells growing in tissue culture, and the stabilizing influence of the gold rods prevented the intracellular degradation of the ssRNA.

Results published in the May 24, 2010, online edition of the journal the Proceedings of the [U.S.] National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) revealed that the nanoplexes activated the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) pathogen recognition pathway, resulting in increased expression of beta-interferon and other interferon-stimulated genes. This increase in type I interferon and interferon-stimulated genes resulted in a decrease in the replication of H1N1 influenza viruses.

"This joint research by the University of Buffalo and the Centers for Disease Control has the potential to usher in a new generation of antiviral medicines to aggressively treat a broad range of infectious diseases, from H1N1 to avian flu and perhaps Ebola, that are becoming increasingly resistant to the medicines used against them,” said senior author Dr. Paras Prasad, professor of medicine at the University of Buffalo.

Related Links:
University of Buffalo
U.S. Centers for Disease Control