Monitoring innate immune recruitment by siRNAs in mammalian cells

Abstract

The use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in human therapy may be hindered by the recruitment of nonspecific effects such as the activation of innate immune responses. Recently, several innate immune receptors have been implicated in the detection of siRNAs. This chapter provides a brief overview of the current knowledge of siRNA-induced innate immunity, as well as protocols for the rapid identification of siRNAs with innate immune stimulatory activity.