The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery of
compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of infectious
diseases or disorders, e.g., HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related
diseases. In particular, the present invention pertains to methods of
modulating cellular gene expression or protein activity, e.g., CCR5, gene
expression or protein activity and/or gene expression or protein activity
of a gene or sequence of an infectious agent, in order to treat or
prevent infectious diseases or disorders, HIV infection, AIDS, or an
AIDS-related disease or disorder. In one embodiment the combination of an
RNA interfering agent targeting a cellular gene in combination with an
RNA interfering agent targeting a gene or sequence of an infectious agent
results in prolonged prevention of infection by an infectious agent. The
present invention is based on the identification of novel RNA
interference agents, e.g., siRNA molecules, which target cellular genes,
e.g., chemokine receptors, e.g., the CCR5 gene, and result in inhibition
of target gene expression on target gene expressing cells, thereby
inhibiting entry of infectious agents, e,g., HIV infection into target
cells, prevention infection, and/or suppressing replication in
established infection.