RNA Interference: Antiviral Defense Mechanism and Immune Memory

Abstract

A review of the mechanisms of the generation of antiviral immunity in bacteria, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates directly indicates the leading role of innate immunity. Bornovirus infections in mammals have been proven to be inhibited by the RNA interference mechanism. Authors propose a possible role of innate human immunity in combating viral infections, including SARS-Cov2. This hypothesis is based on the notion that antiviral response involves a molecular mechanism of RNA interference stemming from the specific viral patterns incorporated into host cells’ DNA. Innate immunity plays an important role not only at the first encounter with a viral infection, but also fully participates in the formation of specific immune memory. RNA-interference along with interferon system is integral parts of human anti-viral defense system. The joint work of these systems is considered. Caution is warranted in both PCR testing interpretation and in assessing prospective vaccines. False positive result without any clinical presentation of the disease in some people might mean that PCR test was picking up any specific SARS-Cov2 sequences that already had incorporated into asymptomatic person’s cellular DNA due to the possible RNA-interference based anti-viral immunity. Future vaccines aimed at producing specific antibodies can cause the phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of the infection. In ADE virus not only infects susceptible cells through appropriate receptor, but is able to highjack virus-specific antibodies to easily traffic virus bodies inside the monocytes/macrophages, granulocytes, platelets, mast and many more host cells through interaction with Fc and/or complement receptors. It is necessary to draw the attention of medical community, especially practitioners to the role of innate immunity, which is especially important in the current COVID-19 pandemic.