Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell

Abstract

Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a miRNA is inhibited in a manner sufficient to reduce the amount of viral genome in the target cell, e.g., by introducing a miRNA inhibitory agent in the target cell. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of subjects suffering from a viral mediated disease condition, e.g., an HCV mediated disease condition.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A pharmaceutical therapy system comprising: a) an antisense oligonucleotide complementary to miR-122 such that said antisense oligonucleotide binds to miR-122 and inhibits its activity in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and b) an HCV antiviral agent different from the antisense oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said antisense oligonucleotide and said HCV antiviral agent are combined. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said antisense oligonucleotide is prepared by a method of i) providing said antisense oligonucleotide as a powder, and ii) reconstituting said powder into a liquid form with said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said antiviral agent is a replication inhibitor. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said antiviral agent is a protease inhibitor. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said antiviral agent is a helicase inhibitor. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said antiviral agent is an antibody therapy. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is sterile water. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the antisense oligonucleotide complementary to miR-122 comprises a 2′-O-methyl modification. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein said antisense oligonucleotide is formulated for parenteral administration. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein said antisense oligonucleotide is formulated for intravenous administration.