RNA interference as a novel and powerful tool in immunopharmacological research

RNA interference (RNAi), as an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for silencing gene expression, is realized through the actions of both small interference RNA (siRNA) and microRNA. Since its discovery, siRNA has been rapidly deployed not only for the elucidation of gene function, but also for identification of drug targets and as a powerful therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanisms of RNAi, methods of siRNA design and delivery, and summarized recent researches on the therapeutic potential of RNAi for immune diseases.