RNA viruses and RNA-based drugs: A perfect match for RNA delivery and the identification of candidate therapeutic target inflammatory molecules

Viruses have an unmatched genius at infiltrating cells and manipulating the expression of host genes that influence viral replication and survival. This complexity of virus-host interaction presents significant challenges to contemporary medical science, with viral diseases continuing to cause mortality and morbidity worldwide. Viruses of current major concern to human health show the majority to be those comprising an RNA genome (e.g., HIV, influenza, dengue) [1]. Such RNA virus capacity in terms of the manipulation of host-cell function, in terms of potential RNA-based gene therapies and vaccines, does have positive dimensions: 1. The ability of such viruses to infiltrate cell membranes and deliver genetic material to the cell interior, and thereafter exploit the cell’s molecular machinery to replicate viral genes 2. The complexities of the virus-host relationship that emphasize the crucial host molecules/pathways responsible for antiviral defense, as well as inflammation control.