RNAi MODULATION OF RSV AND THERAPEUTIC USES THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention is based on the in vivo demonstration that RSV can be inhibited through intranasal administration of iRNA agents as well as by parenteral administration of such agents. Further, it is shown that effective viral reduction can be achieved with more than one virus being treated concurrently. Based on these findings, the present invention provides general and specific compositions and methods that are useful in reducing RSV mRNA levels, RSV protein levels and viral titers in a subject, e.g., a mammal, such as a human. These findings can be applied to other respiratory viruses.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An isolated dsRNA comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, the antisense strand comprising at least 15 consecutive nucleotides from an antisense strand listed in Table 1(a), Table 1(b) or Table 1(c). 
     
     
         2 . The isolated dsRNA of  claim 1 , wherein the dsRNA comprises a modification capable of enhancing the stability of the dsRNA in a biological sample. 
     
     
         3 . The isolated dsRNA of  claim 2 , wherein the modification is a phosphorothioate or 2′-modified nucleotide. 
     
     
         4 . The isolated dsRNA of  claim 3 , wherein the 2′-modified nucleotide comprises a 2′-deoxy, 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-O-methoxyethyl (2′-O-MOE), 2′-amino or 2′ aminoalkoxy substituent. 
     
     
         5 . A composition comprising the isolated dsRNA of  claim 1  and a ligand. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the ligand is conjugated to the 3′-end of the sense strand of the dsRNA. 
     
     
         7 . A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the isolated dsRNA of  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         8 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 7 , wherein the formulation comprises a chelator and/or an RNAse inhibitor for stabilizing dsRNA. 
     
     
         9 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 7  comprising at least one additional therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         10 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 7 , wherein the carrier comprises a polypeptide, an amino acid, a carbohydrate, a surfactant, a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or other hypertonic saline solution. 
     
     
         11 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 7 , wherein the formulation is an aqueous formulation. 
     
     
         12 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 7 , wherein the formulation is a powder formulation. 
     
     
         13 . A device for generating an aerosol suspension of respirable particles comprising an dsRNA, wherein the device is a nebulizer or a solid particulate therapeutic aerosol generator, and wherein the device comprises a composition comprising the dsRNA of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the nebulizer is a pressure-driven jet nebulizer. 
     
     
         15 . A method of reducing the levels of a viral protein, viral mRNA or viral titer in a cell in a subject comprising the step of using the device of  claim 13  on the subject. 
     
     
         16 . A method of reducing the levels of a viral protein, viral mRNA or viral titer in a cell in a subject comprising the step of administering the dsRNA of  claim 1  to the subject. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the dsRNA formulation is administered to the subject via inhalation or nebulization. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the subject is diagnosed as having a RSV viral infection. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the viral titer is reduced. 
     
     
         20 . A method of reducing the levels of a viral protein, viral mRNA or viral titer in a cell comprising the step of administering the dsRNA of  claim 1  to the cell.