The present invention, at least in part, relates to the discovery of
efficacious delivery of an RNAi agent (in preferred aspects of the
invention, an siRNA) to a transplantable tissue. Organ rejection,
transplantation-mediated transmission of viral infection, and triggering
of apoptosis in transplanted tissues can each be minimized by the methods
and compositions of the instant invention. The RNAi agent(s) of the
instant invention can be delivered as "naked" molecules, or using
liposomal and other modes of delivery, to transplantable tissues. Such
delivery can occur via perfusion of the RNAi agent in solution through
the vasculature of a whole or partial organ; or tissues including
transplantable cells and cell lines may be bathed, injected or otherwise
treated with RNAi agents. Preferred transplantable tissues include, for
example, pancreas, liver, kidney, heart, lung, and all cells and cell
lines derived from such tissues (e.g., pancreatic islet cells that may,
e.g., be transplanted as a treated population).