Fang Dexing <dfang at PUBLIC1.PTT.JS.CN> wrote in message
news:3828DD30.CBAA1FE0 at public1.ptt.js.cn...
It is definately an interesting hypothesis you have.
But these anti-viral antisense RNA needs to be coded by some DNA. To my
knowledge there hasn't been found human sequences that could qualify as the
required templates. Perhaps some residuals from ancient integrated viruses,
but I doubt they are sufficient. Furthermore, say that there was anti-viral
RNAs in mammalian cells - viruses would, considering their higher mutation
rates(esp. RNA-viruses)and shorter generation times, quickly mutate so as to
avoid the host antisense RNA.
Speculating wildly, one could imagine a mechanism that recognizes foreign
nucleic acids - copies it and uses the copy as template to make antisense
RNA. That could be an effective defense. Finding that mechanism would
certainly earn you a Nobel prize.
>> 3. FUNCTIONS OF ANTISENSE RNA NETWORK
>> With differences to immunoglobulin interaction in immune network,
> nucleic acid interaction is based on primary sequence, and molecules
> composing antisense RNA network are all small RNAs. Against any foreign
> DNA or RNA, whatever its size and sequence are, there are antisense RNAs
> in the antisense RNA network. They recognize, hybridize with and then
> destroy the targets by their catalytic activity (such as digestive
> ribozyme) or with the help of other nonspecific factors. Cells in
> different parts of animal body are submitted to different mutation
> events at all times. Antisense RNAs act in the early stage of mutation,
> thus much quicker in time to low the possibility of becoming tumor.
Where should the antisense RNA come from?
> During microbe (such as virus) infection, if pathogens have entered
> cells and infectious nucleic acids released, antibodies can not work any
> more, antisense RNAs are the only specific weapons for cleaning the
> targets.
Hmmm... CTLs? Interferons? NK-cells?
>> 4. EXPLANATIONS AND EVIDENCES FOR ANTISENSE RNA NETWORK
Lots of speculation - no evidence. But speculation is the mother of good
ideas. However, as one of my teachers used to say "in biology everything is
possible - therefore you need strong arguments"
Generally I think that you need to consider possible mechanisms that could
account for the production of your antisense RNAs.
Best regards,
Morten Lindow
Copenhagen, Denmark
