Inhibition of Siniperca chuatsi Rhabdovirus by RNA Interference in a Fish Cell Line

We evaluated the antiviral activity of several small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) corresponding to the Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) nucleoprotein (N) gene against the SCRV in a fish cell line, EPC. Among the siRNAs we examined, si983 was most effective at reducing virus titer compared to the mock group. Western blot analysis suggested that si983 inhibited N gene expression and virus replication in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that N gene 983 sites are potential targets for antiviral therapy. Furthermore, RNAi targeting of the N gene may represent a viable method of treating against SCRV infection.