ABOUT RNAi

About dsRNA

Biomics' expertise is in the design, development and manufacturing of novel therapies based on double stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules. There are two forms of dsRNA that Biomics is using to develop its therapeutic products:

• 1. Synthetic, "viral-like" dsRNAs for immune activation.
• 2. Short interfering (si)RNA for gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi).

"Viral like" dsRNA for immune activation

dsRNA longer than 30 base pairs is a key activator of the innate immune response, particularly against viral infections. The innate immune system recognises pathogen-associated molecules using pattern-recognition receptors that activate a wide range of signalling cascades to maintain host defence against infection and inflammation. The interaction of the host cell with dsRNA occurs by several mechanisms. Specific receptors such as Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) bind to extracellular and internalised dsRNA and activate the synthesis of antiviral type I interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β) and antiviral proteins. dsRNA is internalised by endocytosis and delivered to endosomal TLR3, leading to the induction of type I interferon and cytokine production, as well as dendritic cell maturation. The dsRNA uptake machinery is critical for extracellular viral RNA-induced immune responses.