Overview

• In vitro studies demonstrated that the 10-ISG mRNA formulation inhibited Zika virus, SARS-CoV-2, influenza and other pathogens.
• Prophylactic dosing in mice and hamsters prevented SARS-CoV-2 replication and reduced influenza severity.
• Researchers report that lung delivery efficiency, expression levels and a three- to four-day protection window require further optimization.
• The ten-gene set was identified through RNA sequencing of cells from ISG15-deficient individuals that exhibit a persistent antiviral state.
• Next steps include defining minimal ISG combinations, refining dosing and tissue targeting, evaluating safety and moving toward human trials.