Selective killing of cells by activation of double-stranded RNA dependent protein kinase-PKR

Abstract

Novel methods and compositions for selective killing of cells by activation of PKR are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a method is provided for causing cell death in a targeted population of cells that includes the steps of: selecting a nucleotide sequence at a single genetic locus in the targeted population that is absent from the equivalent locus in a population of non-targeted cells; obtaining one or more anti-sense RNA having sequence homology with the locus in the targeted population; permitting the anti-sense RNA to hybridize with an RNA transcribed from the locus in the targeted population so as to form a contiguous double stranded RNA for interacting with PKR. The activation of PKR gives rise to selective cell death in the targeted population.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.