Computational design and validation of siRNAs to knock down the Australian Bat Lyssavirus glycoprotein gene

The Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is an enzootic Australian virus that causes encephalitis in humans. Though it is 100% fatal after symptoms appear, much like rabies, it is relatively rare, as only 5 cases and mortalities have ever been recorded. When post-exposure prophylaxis immunoglobulin is not given, there are no treatments that can prevent mortality. siRNAs are double-stranded RNAs that can perform gene knockdown and hold the potential to treat ABLV infections in humans. This in-silico study was able to design 10 siRNA sequences using siDirect, which were then validated using various in-silico methods, showing great potential for causing gene knockdown of the ABLV glycoprotein gene. Further in-vitro and in vivo studies are required on this topic to further investigate the viability of siRNA in treating lyssavirus infections such as the ABLV.