Abstract
Background: RNA interference (RNAi) can be employed as a potent antiviral mechanism Objective: To discuss RNAi approaches to target pathogenic human viruses causing acute or chronic infections, in particular RNAi gene therapy against HIV-1. Methods: A review of relevant literature. Results/conclusions: The future of antiviral RNAi therapeutics is very promising. RNAi was discovered only a decade ago, and although we are still in the early days, the first clinical trials are already ongoing.