Oligonucleotide analogs as antiviral agents.

The recent availability of a wider range of oligonucleotide analogs has stimulated renewed interest in their application as potential antiviral agents through a variety of mechanisms. These mechanisms include RNase H-mediated antisense, steric block antisense and small interfering RNA targeting viral RNAs, but also other mechanisms, including blockage of virus uptake by cells and the stimulation of a Toll-like receptor-9-dependent immune response by CpG oligonucleotides.