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.