Targeted RNA interference for hepatic fibrosis

Abstract

Hepatic fibrosis is a common consequence in patients with chronic liver damage. To date, no agent has been approved for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. RNA interference (RNAi) is known to be a powerful tool for post-transcriptional gene silencing and has opened new avenues in gene therapy. The problems of lack of cell specificity in vivo and subsequently the occurrence of side effects has hampered the development of hepatic fibrosis treatment. To overcome these shortcomings, several targeted strategies have been developed, such as hydrodynamics-based approaches, local administration, cell-type-selective ligands and cell-type-specific promoters or enhancers, etc. Here, we provide an overview of targeted strategies for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, and particularly, targeted RNAi for hepatic fibrosis.