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Khrenova MG, Nikiforova L, Grabovenko F, Orlova N, Sinegubova M, Kolesov D, Zavyalova E, Subach MF, Polyakov IV, Zatzepin T, Zvereva M. A highly specific aptamer for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from the authentic strain. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:5936-5947. [PMID: 38973558 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00645c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
DNA aptamers are oligonucleotides that specifically bind to target molecules, similar to how antibodies bind to antigens. We identified an aptamer named MEZ that is highly specific to the receptor-binding domain, RBD, of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain. The SELEX procedure was utilized to enrich the initial 31-mer oligonucleotide library with the target aptamer. The aptamer identification was performed using the novel protocol based on nanopore sequencing developed in this study. The MEZ aptamer was chemically synthesized and tested for binding with the SARS-CoV-2 RBD of the spike protein from different strains. The Kd is 6.5 nM for the complex with the RBD from the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain, which is comparable with known aptamers; the advantage is that the MEZ aptamer is smaller than known analogs. The proposed aptamer is highly selective for the RBD protein from the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain and does not form complexes with the RBD from Beta, Delta and Omicron strains. Experimental and theoretical studies together revealed the molecular mechanism of aptamer binding. The aptamer occupies the same binding site as ACE2 when bound to the RBD. The 3'-end of the MEZ aptamer is important for complex formation and is responsible for the discrimination of the RBD protein from a specific strain. The 5'-end is responsible for the formation of a loop in the 3D structure of the aptamer, which is important for proper binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Khrenova
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Lyudmila Nikiforova
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Fedor Grabovenko
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Nadezhda Orlova
- Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - Maria Sinegubova
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Denis Kolesov
- Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117312, Russia
| | - Elena Zavyalova
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Maksim F Subach
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Igor V Polyakov
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Timofei Zatzepin
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Maria Zvereva
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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2
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Dong Y, Wang J, Chen L, Chen H, Dang S, Li F. Aptamer-based assembly systems for SARS-CoV-2 detection and therapeutics. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6830-6859. [PMID: 38829187 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00774j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotide chains with molecular recognition properties. Compared with antibodies, aptamers show advantages given that they are readily produced via chemical synthesis and elicit minimal immunogenicity in biomedicine applications. Notably, aptamer-encoded nucleic acid assemblies further improve the binding affinity of aptamers with the targets due to their multivalent synergistic interactions. Specially, aptamers can be engineered with special topological arrangements in nucleic acid assemblies, which demonstrate spatial and valence matching towards antigens on viruses, thus showing potential in the detection and therapeutic applications of viruses. This review presents the recent progress on the aptamers explored for SARS-CoV-2 detection and infection treatment, wherein applications of aptamer-based assembly systems are introduced in detail. Screening methods and chemical modification strategies for aptamers are comprehensively summarized, and the types of aptamers employed against different target domains of SARS-CoV-2 are illustrated. The evolution of aptamer-based assembly systems for the detection and neutralization of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the construction principle and characteristics of aptamer-based DNA assemblies are demonstrated. The typically representative works are presented to demonstrate how to assemble aptamers rationally and elaborately for specific applications in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and neutralization. Finally, we provide deep insights into the current challenges and future perspectives towards aptamer-based nucleic acid assemblies for virus detection and neutralization in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Jingping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Haonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Shuangbo Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
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3
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Song K, Xue W, Li X, Chang Y, Liu M. Self-Assembly of Single-Virus SERS Hotspots for Highly Sensitive In Situ Detection of SARS-CoV-2 on Solid Surfaces. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8830-8836. [PMID: 38693713 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Microbial surface transmission has aroused great attention since the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Developing a simple in situ detection method for viruses on solid surfaces is of great significance for timely public health surveillance. Taking advantage of the natural structure of SARS-CoV-2, we reported the assembly of Au@AgNPs on the surface of a single virus by the specific aptamer-spike protein interaction. Multiple hotspots can be created between the neighboring Au@AgNPs for the highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of SARS-CoV-2. Using two different aptamers labeled with Cy3 and Au@AgNPs, in situ SERS detection of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 (PSV) on packaging surfaces was achieved within 20 min, with a detection limit of 5.26 TCID50/mL. For the blind testing of 20 PSV-contaminated packaging samples, this SERS aptasensor had a sensitivity of 100% and an accuracy of 100%. This assay has been successfully applied to in situ detection of PSV on the surfaces of different packaging materials, suggesting its potential applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyun Song
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian POCT laboratory, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wei Xue
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian POCT laboratory, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian POCT laboratory, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yangyang Chang
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian POCT laboratory, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Meng Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian POCT laboratory, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
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4
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Huang Y, Chen J, Chen S, Huang C, Li B, Li J, Jin Z, Zhang Q, Pan P, Du W, Liu L, Liu Z. Molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1415885. [PMID: 38846351 PMCID: PMC11153676 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1415885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly prevalent and potent infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Until now, the world is still endeavoring to develop new ways to diagnose and treat COVID-19. At present, the clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19 mainly targets the spike protein on the surface of SRAS-CoV-2. However, with the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of concern (VOC), targeting the spike protein therapy shows a high degree of limitation. The Nucleocapsid Protein (N protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is highly conserved in virus evolution and is involved in the key process of viral infection and assembly. It is the most expressed viral structural protein after SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and has high immunogenicity. Therefore, N protein as the key factor of virus infection and replication in basic research and clinical application has great potential research value. This article reviews the research progress on the structure and biological function of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, the diagnosis and drug research of targeting N protein, in order to promote researchers' further understanding of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, and lay a theoretical foundation for the possible outbreak of new and sudden coronavirus infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Junkai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixiong Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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5
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Çam Derin D, Gültekin E, Gündüz E, Otlu B. Comparison of Six Aptamer-Aptamer Pairs on Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Lateral Flow Assay. J AOAC Int 2024; 107:464-470. [PMID: 38218729 DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 is a threat to humanity. Both the spike (S) protein and its receptor binding domain (sRBD) are extensively used for rapid detection. Although real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) is mostly used method for the molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2, rapid assays for antigenic detection are always needed. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are the most commonly used tests for this purpose, and aptamers having stability and long shelf life are used as capture reagents. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop the LFAs based on the aptamer pairs for the antigenic detection of SARS-CoV-2 with the naked eye. METHOD Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used as labels, and six sandwich models by three different aptamers were prepared using 4 μM and 8 μM probes and two kinds of membranes for developing the LFAs. RESULTS The 8 μM probe concentration and M2 membrane showed the best recognition of both the synthetic sRBD and SARS-CoV-2 coming from the naso/oropharingeal swabs by designed LFAs as 100% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity compared to the antibody-detecting LFAs. CONCLUSIONS Our developed strip assays based on aptamer pairs recognized the target directly in 5-6 min with the naked eye. It was also concluded that aptamer pairs, membrane types, assay buffers, and probe concentrations have a significant role in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by LFAs. HIGHLIGHTS The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples was demonstrated with the best aptamer pairs, sensitively and selectively among the designed six aptamer pairs for LFAs. Developed LFAs can be an alternative method to the conventional antibody-based LFAs for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Çam Derin
- Inonu University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 44280 Malatya, Turkey
| | - Enes Gültekin
- Inonu University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 44280 Malatya, Turkey
| | - Elif Gündüz
- Inonu University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 44280 Malatya, Turkey
| | - Barış Otlu
- Inonu University, Department of Medical Microbiology, 44280 Malatya, Turkey
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Civit L, Moradzadeh N, Jonczyk A, Neckermann P, Asbach B, Peterhoff D, Wagner R, Famulok M, Mayer G, Kjems J, Valero J. A Multi-Faceted Binding Assessment of Aptamers Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4642. [PMID: 38731860 PMCID: PMC11083479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. These platforms rely on the rapid development of molecular binders that should facilitate surveillance and swift intervention against viral infections. In this study, we have evaluated by three independent research groups the binding characteristics of various published RNA and DNA aptamers targeting the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For this comparative analysis, we have employed different techniques such as biolayer interferometry (BLI), enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA), and flow cytometry. Our data show discrepancies in the reported specificity and affinity among several of the published aptamers and underline the importance of standardized methods, the impact of biophysical techniques, and the controls used for aptamer characterization. We expect our results to contribute to the selection and application of suitable aptamers for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Civit
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Nima Moradzadeh
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Anna Jonczyk
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Patrick Neckermann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Asbach
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - David Peterhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Wagner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Famulok
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
- Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Günter Mayer
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
- Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Julián Valero
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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7
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Adachi T, Nakamura S, Michishita A, Kawahara D, Yamamoto M, Hamada M, Nakamura Y. RaptGen-Assisted Generation of an RNA/DNA Hybrid Aptamer against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Biochemistry 2024; 63:906-912. [PMID: 38457656 PMCID: PMC10993888 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Optimization of aptamers in length and chemistry is crucial for industrial applications. Here, we developed aptamers against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and achieved optimization with a deep-learning-based algorithm, RaptGen. We conducted a primer-less SELEX against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike with an RNA/DNA hybrid library, and the resulting sequences were subjected to RaptGen analysis. Based on the sequence profiling by RaptGen, a short truncation aptamer of 26 nucleotides was obtained and further optimized by a chemical modification of relevant nucleotides. The resulting aptamer is bound to RBD not only of SARS-CoV-2 wildtype but also of its variants, SARS-CoV-1, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). We concluded that the RaptGen-assisted discovery is efficient for developing optimized aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Adachi
- RIBOMIC
Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | | | - Akiya Michishita
- Graduate
School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1, Okubo Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
- Computational
Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
(AIST), 3-4-1, Okubo
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Daiki Kawahara
- RIBOMIC
Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yamamoto
- Research
Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Michiaki Hamada
- Graduate
School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1, Okubo Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
- Computational
Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
(AIST), 3-4-1, Okubo
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakamura
- RIBOMIC
Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
- The
Institute of Medical Science, The University
of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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8
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Kim W, Song ES, Lee SH, Yang SH, Cho J, Kim SJ. A new DNA aptamer which binds to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and reduces pro-inflammatory response. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7516. [PMID: 38553521 PMCID: PMC10980804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58315-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly around the world, endangering the health of people globally. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein initiates entry into target cells by binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In this study, we developed DNA aptamers that specifically bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, thereby inhibiting its binding to ACE2. DNA aptamers are small nucleic acid fragments with random structures that selectively bind to various target molecules. We identified nine aptamers targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) method and selected three optimal aptamers by comparing their binding affinities. Additionally, we confirmed that the DNA aptamers suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in ACE2-overexpressing HEK293 cells. Overall, the DNA aptamer developed in this study has the potential to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and inhibit or block its interaction with ACE2. Thus, our DNA aptamers can be used as new biological tools for the prevention and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong Kim
- Institute of Well-Aging Medicare & Chosun University LAMP Center, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Su Song
- Corporate Research Institute, UNICOMPANY, Gwangju, 61008, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Ha Lee
- Department of Business Management, UNICOMPANY, Gwangju, 61008, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ho Yang
- Department of Planning Management, UNICOMPANY, Gwangju, 61008, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyung Cho
- Division of Emerging Viral Diseases and Vector Research, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Jun Kim
- Institute of Well-Aging Medicare & Chosun University LAMP Center, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Integrative Biological Sciences & BK21 FOUR Educational Research Group for Age-Associated Disorder Control Technology, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Guo Y, Song W, Dong Y, Wang X, Nie G, Li F. A Poly Aptamer Encoded DNA Nanocatcher Informs Efficient Virus Trapping. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:3614-3623. [PMID: 38497742 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Broad-spectrum antiviral platforms are always desired but still lack the ability to cope with the threats to global public health. Herein, we develop a poly aptamer encoded DNA nanocatcher platform that can trap entire virus particles to inhibit infection with a broad antiviral spectrum. Ultralong single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) containing repeated aptamers was synthesized as the scaffold of a nanocatcher via a biocatalytic process, wherein mineralization of magnesium pyrophosphate on the ssDNA could occur and consequently lead to the formation of nanocatcher with interfacial nanocaves decorated with virus-binding aptamers. Once the viruses were recognized by the apatmers, they would be captured and trapped in the nanocaves via multisite synergistic interactions. Meanwhile, the size of nanocatchers was optimized to prevent their cellular uptake, which further guaranteed inhibition of virus infection. By taking SARS-CoV-2 variants as a model target, we demonstrated the broad virus-trapping capability of a DNA nanocatcher in engulfing the variants and blocking the infection to host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wenzhe Song
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yuhang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Taiping Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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10
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Park KS, Park TI, Lee JE, Hwang SY, Choi A, Pack SP. Aptamers and Nanobodies as New Bioprobes for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic and Therapeutic System Applications. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:146. [PMID: 38534253 DOI: 10.3390/bios14030146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The global challenges posed by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have underscored the critical importance of innovative and efficient control systems for addressing future pandemics. The most effective way to control the pandemic is to rapidly suppress the spread of the virus through early detection using a rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use diagnostic platform. In biosensors that use bioprobes, the binding affinity of molecular recognition elements (MREs) is the primary factor determining the dynamic range of the sensing platform. Furthermore, the sensitivity relies mainly on bioprobe quality with sufficient functionality. This comprehensive review investigates aptamers and nanobodies recently developed as advanced MREs for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic and therapeutic applications. These bioprobes might be integrated into organic bioelectronic materials and devices, with promising enhanced sensitivity and specificity. This review offers valuable insights into advancing biosensing technologies for infectious disease diagnosis and treatment using aptamers and nanobodies as new bioprobes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Sung Park
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-In Park
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Eon Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Yeong Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Anna Choi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Pil Pack
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
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11
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Song T, Cooper L, Galván Achi J, Wang X, Dwivedy A, Rong L, Wang X. Polyvalent Nanobody Structure Designed for Boosting SARS-CoV-2 Inhibition. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:5894-5900. [PMID: 38408177 PMCID: PMC10965196 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus transmission and mutations have brought intensive challenges on pandemic control and disease treatment. Developing robust and versatile antiviral drugs for viral neutralization is highly desired. Here, we created a new polyvalent nanobody (Nb) structure that shows the effective inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Our polyvalent Nb structure, called "PNS", is achieved by first conjugating single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD)-targeting Nb with retained binding ability to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and then coalescing the ssDNA-Nb conjugates around a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) via DNA hybridization with a desired Nb density that offers spatial pattern-matching with that of the Nb binding sites on the trimeric spike. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays show that the PNS binds the SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike proteins with a ∼1000-fold improvement in affinity than that of monomeric Nbs. Furthermore, our viral entry inhibition assays using the PNS against SARS-CoV-2 WA/2020 and two recent variants of interest (BQ1.1 and XBB) show an over 400-fold enhancement in viral inhibition compared to free Nbs. Our PNS strategy built on a new DNA-protein conjugation chemistry provides a facile approach to developing robust virus inhibitors by using a corresponding virus-targeting Nb with a desired Nb density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingjie Song
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Laura Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Jazmin Galván Achi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Abhisek Dwivedy
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Xing Wang
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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12
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Yang M, Li C, Ye G, Shen C, Shi H, Zhong L, Tian Y, Zhao M, Wu P, Hussain A, Zhang T, Yang H, Yang J, Weng Y, Liu X, Wang Z, Gan L, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Yang G, Huang Y, Zhao Y. Aptamers targeting SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein exhibit potential anti pan-coronavirus activity. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:40. [PMID: 38355661 PMCID: PMC10866937 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01748-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging and recurrent infectious diseases caused by human coronaviruses (HCoVs) continue to pose a significant threat to global public health security. In light of this ongoing threat, the development of a broad-spectrum drug to combat HCoVs is an urgently priority. Herein, we report a series of anti-pan-coronavirus ssDNA aptamers screened using Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). These aptamers have nanomolar affinity with the nucleocapsid protein (NP) of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and also show excellent binding efficiency to the N proteins of both SARS, MERS, HCoV-OC43 and -NL63 with affinity KD values of 1.31 to 135.36 nM. Such aptamer-based therapeutics exhibited potent antiviral activity against both the authentic SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain and the Omicron variant (BA.5) with EC50 values at 2.00 nM and 41.08 nM, respectively. The protein docking analysis also evidenced that these aptamers exhibit strong affinities for N proteins of pan-coronavirus and other HCoVs (-229E and -HKU1). In conclusion, we have identified six aptamers with a high pan-coronavirus antiviral activity, which could potentially serve as an effective strategy for preventing infections by unknown coronaviruses and addressing the ongoing global health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chunhui Li
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Guoguo Ye
- National Clinical Research Center for infectious disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518112, China
| | - Chenguang Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Huiping Shi
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yuxin Tian
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhao
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Haiyin Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jun Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Lu Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Qianyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yingxia Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for infectious disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518112, China
| | - Ge Yang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
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13
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Chen Z, Sun Q, Yang Y, Nie X, Xiang W, Ren Y, Le T. Aptamer-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for animal viruses: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128677. [PMID: 38072350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Animal diseases often have significant consequences due to the unclear and time-consuming diagnosis process. Furthermore, the emergence of new viral infections and drug-resistant pathogens has further complicated the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases. Aptamers, which are obtained through systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology, provide a promising solution as they enable specific identification and binding to targets, facilitating pathogen detection and the development of novel therapeutics. This review presented an overview of aptasensors for animal virus detection, discussed the antiviral activity and mechanisms of aptamers, and highlighted advancements in aptamer-based antiviral research following the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of aptamer-based virus diagnosis and treatment research were explored. Although this review was not exhaustive, it offered valuable insights into the progress of aptamer-based antiviral drug research, target mechanisms, as well as the development of novel antiviral drugs and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoer Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Qi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Ying Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Xunqing Nie
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Wenyu Xiang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Yueyang Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Tao Le
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China.
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14
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Wang M, Hao MC, Huangfu Y, Yang KZ, Zhang XQ, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhang ZL. A Universal Aptamer for Influenza A Viruses: Selection, Recognition, and Infection Inhibition. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:249-258. [PMID: 38230279 PMCID: PMC10789145 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
It is crucial to develop universal inhibitors for viral inhibition due to the rapid mutation of viruses. Herein, a universal aptamer inhibitor was developed that enabled a single DNA molecule to recognize several hemeagglutinin (HA) protein subtypes, inducing broad neutralization against influenza A viruses (IAVs). Through a multi-channel enrichment (MCE) strategy, a high-affinity aptamer named UHA-2 was obtained, with its dissociation constants (Kd) for three different HA proteins being 1.5 ± 0.2 nM (H5N1), 3.7 ± 0.4 nM (H7N9), and 10.1 ± 1.1 nM (H9N2). The UHA-2 aptamer had a universal inhibition effect, by which it could broadly neutralize influenza A H5N1, H7N9, H9N2, H1N1, and H3N2 viruses. Universal aptamer inhibitors have the advantages of acquisition in vitro, stability, simple structure, small size, etc. This study not only develops a novel universal aptamer to achieve a broad inhibition effect on various IAVs, but also opens up an efficient strategy for the development of universal inhibitors against viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- College
of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Meng-Chan Hao
- Key
Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of
Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yueyue Huangfu
- College
of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Ke-Zhu Yang
- College
of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of
Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of
Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Key
Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of
Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhang
- College
of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
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15
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Zhang Y, Li Y. Clinical Translation of Aptamers for COVID-19. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16568-16578. [PMID: 37880142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 etiologic agent, SARS-CoV-2, continues to be one of the leading causes of death on a global scale. Although efficient methods for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 have been developed, new methods of battling SARS-CoV-2 variants and long COVID are still urgently needed. A number of aptamers have demonstrated tremendous potential to be developed into diagnostic and therapeutic agents for COVID-19. The translation of the aptamers for clinical uses, however, has been extremely slow. Overcoming the difficulties faced by aptamers would advance this technology toward clinical use for COVID-19 and other serious disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- College of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yongen Li
- College of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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16
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Chang D, Li J, Liu R, Liu M, Tram K, Schmitt N, Li Y. A Colorimetric Biosensing Platform with Aptamers, Rolling Circle Amplification and Urease-Mediated Litmus Test. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202315185. [PMID: 37903738 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Here we report on an ultra-sensitive colorimetric sensing platform that takes advantage of both the strong amplification power of rolling circle amplification (RCA) and the high efficiency of a simple urease-mediated litmus test. The presence of a target triggers the RCA reaction, and urease-labelled DNA can hybridize to the biotinylated RCA products and be immobilized onto streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The urease-laden beads are then used to hydrolyze urea, leading to an increase in pH that can be detected by a simple litmus test. We show this sensing platform can be easily integrated with aptamers for sensing diverse targets via the detection of human thrombin and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) utilizing structure-switching aptamers as well as SARS-CoV-2 in human saliva using a spike-binding trimeric DNA aptamer. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this colorimetric sensing platform can be integrated into a simple paper-based device for sensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingran Chang
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4 K1, Canada
| | - Jiuxing Li
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4 K1, Canada
| | - Rudi Liu
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4 K1, Canada
| | - Meng Liu
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4 K1, Canada
| | - Kha Tram
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4 K1, Canada
| | - Natalie Schmitt
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4 K1, Canada
| | - Yingfu Li
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4 K1, Canada
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17
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Razi N, Li W, Ignacio MA, Loube JM, Agostino EL, Zhu X, Scull MA, DeStefano JJ. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human airway epithelium with a xeno-nucleic acid aptamer. Respir Res 2023; 24:272. [PMID: 37932762 PMCID: PMC10629106 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, enters cells through viral spike glycoprotein binding to the cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Given the lack of effective antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2, we previously utilized systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and selected fluoro-arabino nucleic acid (FANA) aptamer R8-9 that was able to block the interaction between the viral receptor-binding domain and ACE2. METHODS Here, we further assessed FANA-R8-9 as an entry inhibitor in contexts that recapitulate infection in vivo. RESULTS We demonstrate that FANA-R8-9 inhibits spike-bearing pseudovirus particle uptake in cell lines. Then, using an in-vitro model of human airway epithelium (HAE) and SARS-CoV-2 virus, we show that FANA-R8-9 significantly reduces viral infection when added either at the time of inoculation, or several hours later. These results were specific to the R8-9 sequence, not the xeno-nucleic acid utilized to make the aptamer. Importantly, we also show that FANA-R8-9 is stable in HAE culture secretions and has no overt cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results suggest that FANA-R8-9 effectively prevents infection by specific SARS-CoV-2 variants and indicate that aptamer technology could be utilized to target other clinically-relevant viruses in the respiratory mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niayesh Razi
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Weizhong Li
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Maxinne A Ignacio
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Loube
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Eva L Agostino
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Xiaoping Zhu
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Margaret A Scull
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Jeffrey J DeStefano
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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18
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Le K, Kannappan S, Kim T, Lee JH, Lee HR, Kim KK. Structural understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry to host cells. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1288686. [PMID: 38033388 PMCID: PMC10683510 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1288686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a major global health concern associated with millions of fatalities worldwide. Mutant variants of the virus have further exacerbated COVID-19 mortality and infection rates, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. Understanding the viral infection mechanism is crucial for developing therapeutics and vaccines. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells is a key step in the infection pathway and has been targeted for drug development. Despite numerous reviews of COVID-19 and the virus, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews focusing on the structural aspects of viral entry. In this review, we analyze structural changes in Spike proteins during the entry process, dividing the entry process into prebinding, receptor binding, proteolytic cleavage, and membrane fusion steps. By understanding the atomic-scale details of viral entry, we can better target the entry step for intervention strategies. We also examine the impacts of mutations in Spike proteins, including the Omicron variant, on viral entry. Structural information provides insights into the effects of mutations and can guide the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Finally, we discuss available structure-based approaches for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Overall, this review provides a detailed analysis of the structural aspects of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, highlighting its significance in the development of therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19. Therefore, our review emphasizes the importance of structural information in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Le
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Shrute Kannappan
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Truc Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Heon Lee
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- School of Advanced Materials and Science Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ra Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, College of Science and Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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19
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Borase H, Shukla D. The Interplay of Genital Herpes with Cellular Processes: A Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Perspective. Viruses 2023; 15:2195. [PMID: 38005873 PMCID: PMC10675801 DOI: 10.3390/v15112195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Genital herpes, primarily caused by herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), remains a pressing global health concern. Its remarkable ability to intertwine with cellular processes, from harnessing host machinery for replication to subverting antiviral defenses like autophagy and programmed cell death, exemplifies the intricate interplay at the heart of its pathogenesis. While the biomedical community has extensively researched antiviral interventions, the efficiency of these strategies in managing HSV-2 remains suboptimal. Recognizing this, attention has shifted toward leveraging host cellular components to regulate HSV-2 replication and influence the cell cycle. Furthermore, innovative interventional strategies-including drug repurposing, microbivacs, connecting the host microbiome, and exploiting natural secondary metabolites-are emerging as potential game changers. This review summarizes the key steps in HSV-2 pathogenesis and newly discovered cellular interactions, presenting the latest developments in the field, highlighting existing challenges, and offering a fresh perspective on HSV-2's pathogenesis and the potential avenues for its treatment by targeting cellular proteins and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Borase
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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20
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Razi N, Li W, Ignacio MA, Loube JM, Agostino EL, Zhu X, Scull MA, DeStefano JJ. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Human Airway Epithelium with a Xeno-Nucleic Acid Aptamer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559799. [PMID: 37808754 PMCID: PMC10557761 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2, the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, enters cells through viral spike glycoprotein binding to the cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Given the lack of effective antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2, we previously utilized systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and selected fluoro-arabino nucleic acid (FANA) aptamer R8-9 that was able to block the interaction between the viral receptor-binding domain and ACE2. Methods Here, we further assessed FANA-R8-9 as an entry inhibitor in contexts that recapitulate infection in vivo. Results We demonstrate that FANA-R8-9 inhibits spike-bearing pseudovirus particle uptake in cell lines. Then, using an in-vitro model of human airway epithelium (HAE) and SARS-CoV-2 virus, we show that FANA-R8-9 significantly reduces viral infection when added either at the time of inoculation, or several hours later. These results were specific to the R8-9 sequence, not the xeno-nucleic acid utilized to make the aptamer. Importantly, we also show that FANA-R8-9 is stable in HAE culture secretions and has no overt cytotoxic effects. Conclusions Together, these results suggest that FANA-R8-9 effectively prevents infection by specific SARS-CoV-2 variants and indicate that aptamer technology could be utilized to target other clinically-relevant viruses in the respiratory mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niayesh Razi
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Weizhong Li
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Maxinne A. Ignacio
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Jeffrey M. Loube
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Eva L. Agostino
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Xiaoping Zhu
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Margaret A. Scull
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Jeffrey J. DeStefano
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
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21
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Wu HB, Wang CH, Chung YD, Shan YS, Lin YJ, Tsai HP, Lee GB. Highly-specific aptamer targeting SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein screened on an automatic integrated microfluidic system for COVID-19 diagnosis. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1274:341531. [PMID: 37455073 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have evolved such that it may be challenging for diagnosis and clinical treatment of the pandemic coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Compared with developed SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tools recently, aptamers may exhibit some advantages, including high specificity/affinity, longer shelf life (vs. antibodies), and could be easily prepared. Herein an integrated microfluidic system was developed to automatically carry out one novel screening process based on the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) for screening aptamers specific with SARS-CoV-2. The new screening process started with five rounds of positive selection (with the S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2). In addition, including non-target viruses (influenza A and B), human respiratory tract-related cancer cells (adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells and dysplastic oral keratinocytes), and upper respiratory tract-related infectious bacteria (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae), and human saliva were involved to increase the specificity of the screened aptamer during the negative selection. Totally, all 10 rounds could be completed within 20 h. The dissociation constant of the selected aptamer was determined to be 63.0 nM with S1 protein. Limits of detection for Wuhan and Omicron clinical strains were found to be satisfactory for clinical applications (i.e. 4.80 × 101 and 1.95 × 102 copies/mL, respectively). Moreover, the developed aptamer was verified to be capable of capturing inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viruses, eight SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-viruses, and clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. For high-variable emerging viruses, this developed integrated microfluidic system can be used to rapidly select highly-specific aptamers based on the novel SELEX methods to deal with infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Bin Wu
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hung Wang
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Da Chung
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Jun Lin
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Pin Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Gwo-Bin Lee
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Institute of NanoEngineering and Microsystems, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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22
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Halder S, Thakur A, Keshry SS, Jana P, Karothia D, Das Jana I, Acevedo O, Swain RK, Mondal A, Chattopadhyay S, Jayaprakash V, Dev A. SELEX based aptamers with diagnostic and entry inhibitor therapeutic potential for SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14560. [PMID: 37666993 PMCID: PMC10477244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequent mutation and variable immunological protection against vaccination is a common feature for COVID-19 pandemic. Early detection and confinement remain key to controlling further spread of infection. In response, we have developed an aptamer-based system that possesses both diagnostic and therapeutic potential towards the virus. A random aptamer library (~ 1017 molecules) was screened using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and aptamer R was identified as a potent binder for the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) using in vitro binding assay. Using a pseudotyped viral entry assay we have shown that aptamer R specifically inhibited the entry of a SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus in HEK293T-ACE2 cells but did not inhibit the entry of a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) glycoprotein (G) pseudotyped virus, hence establishing its specificity towards SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The antiviral potential of aptamers R and J (same central sequence as R but lacking flanked primer regions) was tested and showed 95.4% and 82.5% inhibition, respectively, against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Finally, intermolecular interactions between the aptamers and the RBD domain were analyzed using in silico docking and molecular dynamics simulations that provided additional insight into the binding and inhibitory action of aptamers R and J.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayanti Halder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India
| | - Abhishek Thakur
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Supriya Suman Keshry
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Pradip Jana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India
| | | | - Indrani Das Jana
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Orlando Acevedo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Rajeeb K Swain
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
| | - Arindam Mondal
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | | | - Venkatesan Jayaprakash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India
| | - Abhimanyu Dev
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India.
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23
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Matveev AL, Pyankov OV, Khlusevich YA, Tyazhelkova OV, Emelyanova LA, Timofeeva AM, Shipovalov AV, Chechushkov AV, Zaitseva NS, Kudrov GA, Yusubalieva GM, Yussubaliyeva SM, Zhukova OA, Tikunov AY, Baklaushev VP, Sedykh SE, Lifshits GI, Tikunova NV. Novel B-Cell Epitopes of Non-Neutralizing Antibodies in the Receptor-Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein with Different Effects on the Severity of COVID-19. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1205-1214. [PMID: 37770389 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792309002x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (RBD S-protein) contribute significantly to the humoral immune response during coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and after vaccination. The main focus of the studies of the RBD epitope composition is usually concentrated on the epitopes recognized by the virus-neutralizing antibodies. The role of antibodies that bind to RBD but do not neutralize SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear. In this study, immunochemical properties of the two mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), RS17 and S11, against the RBD were examined. Both mAbs exhibited high affinity to RBD, but they did not neutralize the virus. The epitopes of these mAbs were mapped using phage display: the epitope recognized by the mAb RS17 is located at the N-terminal site of RBD (348-SVYAVNRKRIS-358); the mAb S11 epitope is inside the receptor-binding motif of RBD (452-YRLFRKSN-459). Three groups of sera were tested for presence of antibodies competing with the non-neutralizing mAbs S11 and RS17: (i) sera from the vaccinated healthy volunteers without history of COVID-19; (ii) sera from the persons who had a mild form of COVID-19; (iii) sera from the persons who had severe COVID-19. Antibodies competing with the mAb S11 were found in each group of sera with equal frequency, whereas presence of the antibodies competing with the mAb RS17 in the sera was significantly more frequent in the group of sera obtained from the patients recovered from severe COVID-19 indicating that such antibodies are associated with the severity of COVID-19. In conclusion, despite the clear significance of anti-RBD antibodies in the effective immune response against SARS-CoV-2, it is important to analyze their virus-neutralizing activity and to confirm absence of the antibody-mediated enhancement of infection by the anti-RBD antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey L Matveev
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Oleg V Pyankov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare, Koltsovo, 630559, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Yana A Khlusevich
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Olga V Tyazhelkova
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Ljudmila A Emelyanova
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Anna M Timofeeva
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Andrey V Shipovalov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare, Koltsovo, 630559, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Anton V Chechushkov
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | | | - Gleb A Kudrov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare, Koltsovo, 630559, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Gaukhar M Yusubalieva
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | | | - Oxana A Zhukova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia
| | - Artem Yu Tikunov
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Vladimir P Baklaushev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia
- Pulmonology Research Institute FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 115682, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | | | - Galina I Lifshits
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Nina V Tikunova
- Federal State Public Scientific Institution "Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine", Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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24
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Huang Y, Zhang J, Wang W, Yang C, Song Y. Diverse SARS-CoV-2 aptamers overcome variant antigenic shift. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:9766-9769. [PMID: 37483145 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02102e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 mutates rapidly as evidenced by the emergence of Omicron which causes changes in the recognition epitopes of most current neutralizing antibodies and immune evasion. Although aptamers are potential neutralizing agents for SARS-CoV-2 due to their unique molecular properties, it is difficult to compare their performances as assay conditions vary greatly, and their activity levels against variants remain unknown. Here, we evaluated the performances of 14 SARS-CoV-2 aptamers and provided a comprehensive analysis them, which we expect will improve the development of aptamer tools for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
| | - Jialu Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
| | - Wencheng Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
- Department Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yanling Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
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25
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Chang ZY, Alhamami FAMS, Chin KL. Aptamer-Based Strategies to Address Challenges in COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatments. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2023; 2023:9224815. [PMID: 37554129 PMCID: PMC10406522 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9224815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a highly contagious and rapidly spreading disease with significant fatality in the elderly population, has swept across the world since 2019. Since its first appearance, the causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has undergone multiple mutations, with Omicron as the predominant circulating variant of concern at the moment. The gold standard for diagnosis of COVID-19 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the virus is laborious and requires well-trained personnel to perform sophisticated procedures. Also, the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 that arise regularly could result in false-negative detection. Meanwhile, the current COVID-19 treatments such as conventional medicine, complementary and alternative medicine, passive antibody therapy, and respiratory therapy are associated with adverse effects. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Over the past 30 years, nucleic acid-based aptamers have gained increasing attention and serve as a promising alternative to the antibodies in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields with their uniqueness of being small, nonimmunogenicity, and thermally stable. Aptamer targeting the SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins or the host receptor proteins represent a powerful tool to control COVID-19 infection. In this review, challenges faced by currently available diagnostic and therapeutic tools for COVID-19 are underscored, along with how aptamers can shed a light on the current COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the critical factors affecting the discovery of high-affinity aptamers and their potential applications to control COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yuan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Kai Ling Chin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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26
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Kong AHY, Wu AJ, Ho OKY, Leung MMK, Huang AS, Yu Y, Zhang G, Lyu A, Li M, Cheung KH. Exploring the Potential of Aptamers in Targeting Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11780. [PMID: 37511539 PMCID: PMC10380291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is the precursor for several neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Targeting neuroinflammation has emerged as a promising strategy to address a wide range of CNS pathologies. These NDDs still present significant challenges in terms of limited and ineffective diagnosis and treatment options, driving the need to explore innovative and novel therapeutic alternatives. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids that offer the potential for addressing these challenges through diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this review, we summarize diagnostic and therapeutic aptamers for inflammatory biomolecules, as well as the inflammatory cells in NDDs. We also discussed the potential of short nucleotides for Aptamer-Based Targeted Brain Delivery through their unique features and modifications, as well as their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, the unprecedented opportunities and substantial challenges of using aptamers as therapeutic agents, such as drug efficacy, safety considerations, and pharmacokinetics, are also discussed. Taken together, this review assesses the potential of aptamers as a pioneering approach for target delivery to the CNS and the treatment of neuroinflammation and NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hau-Yee Kong
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aston Jiaxi Wu
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Olivia Ka-Yi Ho
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Maggie Ming-Ki Leung
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alexis Shiying Huang
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-Based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-Based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-Based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Li
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - King-Ho Cheung
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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27
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Li J, Chen M, Ke S, Tian J, Yu H, Liu X, Yu BY. Generation of a high-affinity DNA aptamer for on-site screening of toxic aristolochic acid I in herbal medicines and botanical products. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1264:341302. [PMID: 37230722 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Aristolochic Acid I (AAI) is an environmental and foodborne toxin found in the Aristolochia and Asarum species of plants that are widespread all over the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a sensitive and specific biosensor for identifying AAI. Aptamers as a powerful biorecognition element provide the most viable options for solving this problem. In this study, we used library-immobilized SELEX to isolate an AAI-specific aptamer with a KD value of 86 ± 13 nM. To verify the practicability of the selected aptamer, a label-free colorimetric aptasensor was designed. This aptasensor exhibited a low detection limit of 225 nM. Besides, it had been further applied for the determination of AAI in real samples and the recoveries ranged from 97.9% to 102.4%. In the future, AAI aptamer will provide a promising tool for safety evaluation in various fields of agriculture, food, and medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, Cellular and Molecular Biology Center, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Meiqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, Cellular and Molecular Biology Center, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Sisi Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, Cellular and Molecular Biology Center, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Jiangwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, Cellular and Molecular Biology Center, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Haixiang Yu
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Xiufeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, Cellular and Molecular Biology Center, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
| | - Bo-Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, Cellular and Molecular Biology Center, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
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28
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Ai L, Jiang X, Zhang K, Cui C, Liu B, Tan W. Tools and techniques for the discovery of therapeutic aptamers: recent advances. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1393-1411. [PMID: 37840268 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2264187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pursuit of novel therapeutic agents for serious diseases such as cancer has been a global endeavor. Aptamers characteristic of high affinity, programmability, low immunogenicity, and rapid permeability hold great promise for the treatment of diseases. Yet obtaining the approval for therapeutic aptamers remains challenging. Consequently, researchers are increasingly devoted to exploring innovative strategies and technologies to advance the development of these therapeutic aptamers. AREAS COVERED The authors provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress of the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) technique, and how the integration of modern tools has facilitated the identification of therapeutic aptamers. Additionally, the engineering of aptamers to enhance their functional attributes, such as inhibiting and targeting, is discussed, demonstrating the potential to broaden their scope of utility. EXPERT OPINION The grand potential of aptamers and the insufficient development of relevant drugs have spurred countless efforts for stimulating their discovery and application in the therapeutic field. While SELEX techniques have undergone significant developments with the aid of advanced analysis instruments and ingeniously updated aptameric engineering strategies, several challenges still impede their clinical translation. A key challenge lies in the insufficient understanding of binding conformation and susceptibility to degradation under physiological conditions. Despite the hurdles, our opinion is optimistic. With continued progress in overcoming these obstacles, the widespread utilization of aptamers for clinical therapy is envisioned to become a reality soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Ai
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Kejing Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics and Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cui
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Geriatrics and Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
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29
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Hameed NS, Arif IS, Al-Sudani BT. Preventive treatment of coronavirus disease-2019 virus using coronavirus disease-2019-receptor-binding domain 1C aptamer by suppress the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2023; 14:185-190. [PMID: 37692001 PMCID: PMC10483903 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_117_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cause of the worldwide coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is known to employ the same entry portal as SARS-CoV, which is the type 1 transmembrane angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) is located on the spike S-protein's S1 subunit of the spike glycoprotein. The most important and effective therapy method is inhibiting the interaction between the ACE2 receptor and the S-spike RBD. An aptamer is a small, single-chain oligonucleotide that binds strongly to the target molecule. Recently, a CoV-2-RBD-1C aptamer-based system with a 51-base hairpin structure was discovered to have substantial binding affinity against the SARS-CoV-2RBD with similar binding sites at ACE. In the current study, we will study the aptamer's effect as a SARS-CoV-2 spike blocker and inhibit its ACE2 receptors' binding by studying the toxicity of aptamer for this cell line by calcein assay and the inhibition test of CoV-2-RBD-1C aptamers on spike RBD-ACE2 binding. The results show the half-maximum inhibitory concentration of CoV-2-RBD-1C aptamer is 0.08188 μM. The inhibition effect of CoV-2-RBD-1C aptamer on spike RBD-ACE2 binding was determined at half-maximal effective concentration of 0.5 μM concentration. The percentage of spike-ACE2 binding inhibition in A549-hACE2 cells in the D614G variant after 30 s was 77%. This percentage is higher than D614 and N501Y and equals 55% and 65%, respectively, at 0.15 μM of CoV-2-RBD-1C aptamer. The CoV-2-RBD-1C aptamer prevents virus entrance through spike inhibition, which results in a 90% reduction in spike D614 virus transduction at 1.28 μM. In conclusion, the CoV-2-RBD-1C aptamer might be an effective treatment against COVID-19 infection because it directly affects the virus by blocking the S-spike of SARS-CoV-2 and preventing ACE2 receptor binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor S. Hameed
- Department of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Inam Sameh Arif
- Department of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Basma Talib Al-Sudani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
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30
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Matveev A, Pyankov O, Khlusevich Y, Tyazhelkova O, Emelyanova L, Timofeeva A, Shipovalov A, Chechushkov A, Zaitseva N, Kudrov G, Yusubalieva G, Yussubaliyeva S, Zhukova O, Baklaushev V, Sedykh S, Lifshits G, Tikunov A, Tikunova N. Antibodies Capable of Enhancing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Can Circulate in Patients with Severe COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10799. [PMID: 37445984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) has been shown previously for SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. In this study, the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) that causes ADE in a SARS-CoV-2 in vivo model was identified. mAb RS2 against the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein was developed using hybridoma technology. mAb RS2 demonstrated sub-nanomolar affinity and ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro with IC50 360 ng/mL. In an animal model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the dose-dependent protective efficacy of mAb RS2 was revealed. However, in post-exposure prophylaxis, the administration of mAb RS2 led to an increase in the viral load in the respiratory tract of animals. Three groups of blood plasma were examined for antibodies competing with mAb RS2: (1) plasmas from vaccinated donors without COVID-19; (2) plasmas from volunteers with mild symptoms of COVID-19; (3) plasmas from patients with severe COVID-19. It was demonstrated that antibodies competing with mAb RS2 were significantly more often recorded in sera from volunteers with severe COVID-19. The results demonstrated for the first time that in animals, SARS-CoV-2 can induce antibody/antibodies that can elicit ADE. Moreover, in the sera of patients with severe COVID-19, there are antibodies competing for the binding of an epitope that is recognized by the ADE-eliciting mAb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Matveev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Oleg Pyankov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Yana Khlusevich
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga Tyazhelkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Lyudmila Emelyanova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anna Timofeeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Andrey Shipovalov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Anton Chechushkov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia Zaitseva
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Biodiversity of Viruses, Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, 630117 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Gleb Kudrov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Gaukhar Yusubalieva
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, FMBA of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
| | - Saule Yussubaliyeva
- Department of General Medical Practice with the Course of Evidence-Based Medicine, Astana Medical University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Oxana Zhukova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Baklaushev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
- Pulmonology Research Institute, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Sedykh
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Galina Lifshits
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Artem Tikunov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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31
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Thijssen V, Hurdiss DL, Debski-Antoniak OJ, Spence MA, Franck C, Norman A, Aggarwal A, Mokiem NJ, van Dongen DAA, Vermeir SW, Liu M, Li W, Chatziandreou M, Donselaar T, Du W, Drulyte I, Bosch BJ, Snijder J, Turville SG, Payne RJ, Jackson CJ, van Kuppeveld FJM, Jongkees SAK. A broad-spectrum macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303292120. [PMID: 37339194 PMCID: PMC10293842 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303292120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had great societal and health consequences. Despite the availability of vaccines, infection rates remain high due to immune evasive Omicron sublineages. Broad-spectrum antivirals are needed to safeguard against emerging variants and future pandemics. We used messenger RNA (mRNA) display under a reprogrammed genetic code to find a spike-targeting macrocyclic peptide that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) Wuhan strain infection and pseudoviruses containing spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants or related sarbecoviruses. Structural and bioinformatic analyses reveal a conserved binding pocket between the receptor-binding domain, N-terminal domain, and S2 region, distal to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor-interaction site. Our data reveal a hitherto unexplored site of vulnerability in sarbecoviruses that peptides and potentially other drug-like molecules can target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Thijssen
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel L. Hurdiss
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver J. Debski-Antoniak
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew A. Spence
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, CanberraACT2601, Australia
| | - Charlotte Franck
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
| | - Alexander Norman
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
| | | | - Nadia J. Mokiem
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CH, the Netherlands
| | - David A. A. van Dongen
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| | - Stein W. Vermeir
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| | - Minglong Liu
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| | - Wentao Li
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Marianthi Chatziandreou
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Donselaar
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Wenjuan Du
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Ieva Drulyte
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Materials and Structural Analysis, Eindhoven5651GG, the Netherlands
| | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Snijder
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CH, the Netherlands
| | | | - Richard J. Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
| | - Colin J. Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, CanberraACT2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, CanberraACT2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, Australian National University, CanberraACT2601, Australia
| | - Frank J. M. van Kuppeveld
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Seino A. K. Jongkees
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
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32
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Giroux E, Oake A, Lewis T, Martic S. Aptamer-, heparin- or cocktail-based inhibition of S1-ACE2 protein complexes. Anal Biochem 2023:115223. [PMID: 37385465 PMCID: PMC10299842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The Spike protein (S1) from the Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to initiate infection. Hence, antiviral therapeutic targeting the S1-ACE2 interface is of interest. Herein, we compare the inhibition efficacy of an aptamer to heparin or their cocktail, against wild-type (WT), Omicron, Delta, and Lambda S1-ACE2 complexes. The aptamer-protein complexes had the dissociation constant KD values in the 2-13 nM range. The aptamer half-maximal inhibitory concentration against WT S1-ACE was 17 nM, with the % inhibition in the 12-35% range. Several aptamer-S1 protein complexes were also stable at low pH with 60% inhibition. Despite the similarity in S1 sequences, the extent of inhibition (2-27%) with heparin was highly dependent on the type of S1 protein. More importantly, heparin did not inhibit the WT S1-ACE2 complex but was effective with mutants. The aptamer-heparin cocktail was less effective compared to aptamer or heparin, individually. Modelling data show that either a direct or proximal binding to RBD sites by aptamer or heparin prevents the ACE2 binding. Overall, heparin was as an effective inhibitor as aptamer against certain variants, and represents the more cost-effective neutralizing agent against emerging coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Giroux
- Department of Forensic Science, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - A Oake
- Flemming College, Peterborough, Canada
| | - T Lewis
- Environmental and Life Science Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - S Martic
- Department of Forensic Science, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada; Environmental and Life Science Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada.
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33
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Mahmoudi A, Hoda Alavizadeh S, Atefeh Hosseini S, Meidany P, Doagooyan M, Abolhasani Y, Saadat Z, Amani F, Kesharwani P, Gheybi F, Sahebkar A. Harnessing aptamers against COVID-19: a therapeutic strategy. Drug Discov Today 2023:103663. [PMID: 37315763 PMCID: PMC10266562 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus crisis caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was a global pandemic. Although various therapeutic approaches were developed over the past 2 years, novel strategies with more efficient applicability are required to target new variants. Aptamers are single-stranded (ss)RNA or DNA oligonucleotides capable of folding into unique 3D structures with robust binding affinity to a wide variety of targets following structural recognition. Aptamer-based theranostics have proven excellent capability for diagnosing and treating various viral infections. Herein, we review the current status and future perspective of the potential of aptamers as COVID-19 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Atefeh Hosseini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Pouria Meidany
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maham Doagooyan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Yasaman Abolhasani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Zakieh Saadat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Amani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India
| | - Fatemeh Gheybi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Rahman MS, Han MJ, Kim SW, Kang SM, Kim BR, Kim H, Lee CJ, Noh JE, Kim H, Lee JO, Jang SK. Structure-Guided Development of Bivalent Aptamers Blocking SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Molecules 2023; 28:4645. [PMID: 37375202 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused devastation to human society through its high virulence, infectivity, and genomic mutations, which reduced the efficacy of vaccines. Here, we report the development of aptamers that effectively interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting its spike protein, which plays a pivotal role in host cell entry of the virus through interaction with the viral receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). To develop highly effective aptamers and to understand their mechanism in inhibiting viral infection, we determined the three-dimensional (3D) structures of aptamer/receptor-binding domain (RBD) complexes using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Moreover, we developed bivalent aptamers targeting two distinct regions of the RBD in the spike protein that directly interact with ACE2. One aptamer interferes with the binding of ACE2 by blocking the ACE2-binding site in RBD, and the other aptamer allosterically inhibits ACE2 by binding to a distinct face of RBD. Using the 3D structures of aptamer-RBD complexes, we minimized and optimized these aptamers. By combining the optimized aptamers, we developed a bivalent aptamer that showed a stronger inhibitory effect on virus infection than the component aptamers. This study confirms that the structure-based aptamer-design approach has a high potential in developing antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Han
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Won Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Mu Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Ri Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesun Kim
- Division of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Jun Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Noh
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanseong Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jie-Oh Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Key Jang
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
- Division of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, POSTECH Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 37673, Republic of Korea
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35
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Moshref ZS, Jalali T, Rezaei Adriani R, Soltati E, Mousavi Gargari SL. Aptamer-based diagnosis of various SARS-CoV2 strains isolated from clinical specimens. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16458. [PMID: 37251485 PMCID: PMC10204341 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, an unknown strain of coronavirus, has resulted in severe acute respiratory syndrome with high mortality rates worldwide. Due to the possibility of asymptomatic carriers, late diagnosis of infected individuals can lead to uncontrollable transmission of the disease, making early and accurate detection crucial in controlling the spread of the virus. In this study we identified high-binding-affinity aptamers targeting various strains of the SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) virus, using the GO-Cell-SELEX (Graphene Oxide- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) strategy. A total of 96 aptamers were developed through 11 rounds of GO-Cell-SELEX from a random 40 nucleotide single-strand DNA (ssDNA) aptamer library. Using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method, the dissociation constant (Kd) values of all aptamers were calculated and two aptamers 52 and 91 with Kd 50 and 61 were selected for enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA). Aptamer 91 could detect various strains of the virus in above 97% of clinical samples obtained from nasopharyngeal swaps (NPS) specimens kept in viral transport media (VTM), confirmed by real-time PCR assay at COVID-19 Reference Diagnostic Laboratory of Iran, Pasture Institute. Aptamer 52 could detect the SARS-CoV2 virus in a competitive lateral flow assay (LFA) to be considered for a future designed kit. These two simple, specific, and sensitive tests can be used in combination for rapid and early diagnosis of various strains of the COVID-19 virus. Our results suggest that these two discovered aptamers present an opportunity for developing a new rapid aptamer-based coronavirus diagnostic kit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tahmineh Jalali
- Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Elahe Soltati
- Faculty of Converging Science and Technologies, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
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Wang Y, Rong Y, Ma T, Li L, Li X, Zhu P, Zhou S, Yu J, Zhang Y. Photoelectrochemical sensors based on paper and their emerging applications in point-of-care testing. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 236:115400. [PMID: 37271095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care testing (POCT) technology is urgently required owing to the prevalence of the Internet of Things and portable electronics. In light of the attractive properties of low background and high sensitivity caused by the complete separation of excitation source and detection signal, the paper-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors, featured with fast in analysis, disposable and environmental-friendly have become one of the most promising strategies in POCT. Therefore, in this review, the latest advances and principal issues in the design and fabrication of portable paper-based PEC sensors for POCT are systematically discussed. Primarily, the flexible electronic devices that can be constructed by paper and the reasons why they can be used in PEC sensors are expounded. Afterwards, the photosensitive materials involved in paper-based PEC sensor and the signal amplification strategies are emphatically introduced. Subsequently, the application of paper-based PEC sensors in medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring and food safety are further discussed. Finally, the main opportunities and challenges of paper-based PEC sensing platforms for POCT are briefly summarized. It provides a distinct perspective for researchers to construct paper-based PEC sensors with portable and cost-effective, hoping to enlighten the fast development of POCT soon after, as well as benefit human society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Yumeng Rong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Tinglei Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Xu Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Peihua Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China.
| | - Jinghua Yu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China; Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
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Guo L, Lin S, Chen Z, Cao Y, He B, Lu G. Targetable elements in SARS-CoV-2 S2 subunit for the design of pan-coronavirus fusion inhibitors and vaccines. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:197. [PMID: 37164987 PMCID: PMC10170451 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01472-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused devastating impacts on the public health and the global economy. Rapid viral antigenic evolution has led to the continual generation of new variants. Of special note is the recently expanding Omicron subvariants that are capable of immune evasion from most of the existing neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). This has posed new challenges for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Therefore, exploring broad-spectrum antiviral agents to combat the emerging variants is imperative. In sharp contrast to the massive accumulation of mutations within the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), the S2 fusion subunit has remained highly conserved among variants. Hence, S2-based therapeutics may provide effective cross-protection against new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we summarize the most recently developed broad-spectrum fusion inhibitors (e.g., nAbs, peptides, proteins, and small-molecule compounds) and candidate vaccines targeting the conserved elements in SARS-CoV-2 S2 subunit. The main focus includes all the targetable S2 elements, namely, the fusion peptide, stem helix, and heptad repeats 1 and 2 (HR1-HR2) bundle. Moreover, we provide a detailed summary of the characteristics and action-mechanisms for each class of cross-reactive fusion inhibitors, which should guide and promote future design of S2-based inhibitors and vaccines against new coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Guo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Sheng Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Zimin Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Disaster Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Guangwen Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Tang L, Huang M, Zhang M, Pei Y, Liu Y, Wei Y, Yang C, Xie T, Zhang D, Zhou R, Song Y, Song J. De Novo Evolution of an Antibody-Mimicking Multivalent Aptamer via a DNA Framework. SMALL METHODS 2023:e2300327. [PMID: 37086150 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Multivalent interactions can often endow ligands with more efficient binding performance toward target molecules. Generally speaking, a multivalent aptamer can be constructed via post-assembly based on chemical structural information of target molecules and pre-identified monovalent aptamers derived from traditional systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology. However, many target molecules may not have known matched aptamer partners, thus a de novo evolution will be highly desired as an alternative strategy for directed selection of a high-avidity, multivalent aptamer. Here, inspired by the superiority of multivalent interactions between antibodies and antigens, a direct SELEX strategy with a preorganized DNA framework library for an "Antibody-mimicking multivalent aptamer" (Amap) selection to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a model target protein is reported. The Amap presents a relatively good binding affinity through both aptamer moieties concurrently binding to EpCAM, which has been confirmed by affinity analysis and molecular modeling. Furthermore, dynamic interactions between Amap and EpCAM are directly visualized by magnetic tweezers at the single-molecule level. A nice binding affinity of Amap to EpCAM-positive cancer cells has also been verified, which hints that their Amap-SELEX strategy has the potential to be a new route for de novo evolution of multivalent aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Tang
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Mengjiao Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, P. R. China
| | - Mingjiao Zhang
- School of Physics, College of Life Sciences and, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Pei
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, P. R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yong Wei
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, P. R. China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Teng Xie
- School of Physics, College of Life Sciences and, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Physics, College of Life Sciences and, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- School of Physics, College of Life Sciences and, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Yanling Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, P. R. China
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Aptamers targeting SARS-COV-2: a promising tool to fight against COVID-19. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:528-544. [PMID: 35995601 PMCID: PMC9340053 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, remains among the main causes of global mortality. Although antigen/antibody-based immunoassays and neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 have been successfully developed over the past 2 years, they are often inefficient and unreliable for emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Novel approaches against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are therefore urgently needed. Aptamers have been developed for the detection and inhibition of several different viruses such as HIV, influenza viruses, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV. Aptamers targeting SARS-CoV-2 represent a promising tool in the fight against COVID-19, which is of paramount importance for the current and any future pandemics. This review presents recent advances and future trends in the development of aptamer-based approaches for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and treatment.
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40
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Zhang M, Ye L. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain using fluorescence probe and DNA flowers enabled by rolling circle amplification. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:163. [PMID: 36988717 PMCID: PMC10052277 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Using rolling circle amplification (RCA) and two different ways of signal readout, we developed analytical methods to detect the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein). We modified streptavidin-coated magnetic beads with an aptamer of RBD through a biotin-tagged complementary DNA strand (biotin-cDNA). Binding of RBD caused the aptamer to dissociate from the biotin-cDNA, making the cDNA available to initiate RCA on the magnetic beads. Detection of RBD was achieved using a dual signal output. For fluorescence signaling, the RCA products were mixed with a dsDNA probe labeled with fluorophore and quencher. Hybridization of the RCA products caused the dsDNA to separate and to emit fluorescence (λex = 488 nm, λem = 520 nm). To generate easily detectable UV-vis absorbance signal, the RCA amplification was extended to produce DNA flower to encapsulate horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The HRP-encapsulated DNA flower catalyzed a colorimetric reaction between H2O2 and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to generate an optical signal (λabs = 450 nm). The fluorescence and colorimetric assays for RBD have low detection limits (0.11 pg mL-1 and 0.904 pg mL-1) and a wide linear range (0.001-100 ng mL-1). For detection of RBD in human saliva, the recovery was 93.0-100% for the fluorescence assay and 87.2-107% for the colorimetric assay. By combining fluorescence and colorimetric detection with RCA, detection of the target RBD in human saliva was achieved with high sensitivity and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhang
- Division of Pure and Applied Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box124, 22100, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lei Ye
- Division of Pure and Applied Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box124, 22100, Lund, Sweden.
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Huang PJJ, Liu J. Simultaneous Detection of L-Lactate and D-Glucose Using DNA Aptamers in Human Blood Serum. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202212879. [PMID: 36693796 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202212879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
L-lactate is a key metabolite indicative of physiological states, glycolysis pathways, and various diseases such as sepsis, heart attack, lactate acidosis, and cancer. Detection of lactate has been relying on a few enzymes that need additional oxidants. In this work, DNA aptamers for L-lactate were obtained using a library-immobilization selection method and the highest affinity aptamer reached a Kd of 0.43 mM as determined using isothermal titration calorimetry. The aptamers showed up to 50-fold selectivity for L-lactate over D-lactate and had little responses to other closely related analogs such as pyruvate or 3-hydroxybutyrate. A fluorescent biosensor based on the strand displacement method showed a limit of detection of 0.55 mM L-lactate, and the sensor worked in 90 % serum. Simultaneous detection of L-lactate and D-glucose in the same solution was achieved. This work has broadened the scope of aptamers to simple metabolites and provided a useful probe for continuous and multiplexed monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Jung Jimmy Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Juewen Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
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42
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Lessons Learnt from COVID-19: Computational Strategies for Facing Present and Future Pandemics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054401. [PMID: 36901832 PMCID: PMC10003049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its outbreak in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the death of more than 6.5 million people around the world. The high transmissibility of its causative agent, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, coupled with its potentially lethal outcome, provoked a profound global economic and social crisis. The urgency of finding suitable pharmacological tools to tame the pandemic shed light on the ever-increasing importance of computer simulations in rationalizing and speeding up the design of new drugs, further stressing the need for developing quick and reliable methods to identify novel active molecules and characterize their mechanism of action. In the present work, we aim at providing the reader with a general overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing the hallmarks in its management, from the initial attempts at drug repurposing to the commercialization of Paxlovid, the first orally available COVID-19 drug. Furthermore, we analyze and discuss the role of computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) techniques, especially those that fall in the structure-based drug design (SBDD) category, in facing present and future pandemics, by showcasing several successful examples of drug discovery campaigns where commonly used methods such as docking and molecular dynamics have been employed in the rational design of effective therapeutic entities against COVID-19.
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43
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Chen J, Li Y, Liu Z. Functional nucleic acids as potent therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2023; 4:101249. [PMID: 36714073 PMCID: PMC9869493 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a severe threat to human life and the global economy. Although conventional treatments, including vaccines, antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors, have been broadly developed, they usually fall behind the constant mutation of SARS-CoV-2, due to the long screening process and high production cost. Functional nucleic acid (FNA)-based therapeutics are a newly emerging promising means against COVID-19, considering their timely adaption to different mutants and easy design for broad-spectrum virus inhibition. In this review, we survey typical FNA-related therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection, including aptamers, aptamer-integrated DNA frameworks, functional RNA, and CRISPR-Cas technology. We first introduce the pathogenesis, transmission, and evolution of SARS-CoV-2, then analyze the existing therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, including their pros and cons. Subsequently, the FNAs are recommended as potent alternative therapeutics from their screening process and controllable engineering to effective neutralization. Finally, we put forward the remaining challenges of the existing field and sketch out the future development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingran Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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bioTCIs: Middle-to-Macro Biomolecular Targeted Covalent Inhibitors Possessing Both Semi-Permanent Drug Action and Stringent Target Specificity as Potential Antibody Replacements. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043525. [PMID: 36834935 PMCID: PMC9968108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody therapies targeting immuno-modulatory targets such as checkpoint proteins, chemokines, and cytokines have made significant impact in several areas, including cancer, inflammatory disease, and infection. However, antibodies are complex biologics with well-known limitations, including high cost for development and production, immunogenicity, a limited shelf-life because of aggregation, denaturation, and fragmentation of the large protein. Drug modalities such as peptides and nucleic acid aptamers showing high-affinity and highly selective interaction with the target protein have been proposed alternatives to therapeutic antibodies. The fundamental limitation of short in vivo half-life has prevented the wide acceptance of these alternatives. Covalent drugs, also known as targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs), form permanent bonds to target proteins and, in theory, eternally exert the drug action, circumventing the pharmacokinetic limitation of other antibody alternatives. The TCI drug platform, too, has been slow in gaining acceptance because of its potential prolonged side-effect from off-target covalent binding. To avoid the potential risks of irreversible adverse drug effects from off-target conjugation, the TCI modality is broadening from the conventional small molecules to larger biomolecules possessing desirable properties (e.g., hydrolysis resistance, drug-action reversal, unique pharmacokinetics, stringent target specificity, and inhibition of protein-protein interactions). Here, we review the historical development of the TCI made of bio-oligomers/polymers (i.e., peptide-, protein-, or nucleic-acid-type) obtained by rational design and combinatorial screening. The structural optimization of the reactive warheads and incorporation into the targeted biomolecules enabling a highly selective covalent interaction between the TCI and the target protein is discussed. Through this review, we hope to highlight the middle to macro-molecular TCI platform as a realistic replacement for the antibody.
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Wang D, Zhang J, huang Z, Yang Y, Fu T, Yang Y, Lyu Y, Jiang J, Qiu L, Cao Z, Zhang X, You Q, Lin Y, Zhao Z, Tan W. Robust Covalent Aptamer Strategy Enables Sensitive Detection and Enhanced Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Proteins. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:72-83. [PMID: 36712483 PMCID: PMC9881204 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Aptamer-based detection and therapy have made substantial progress with cost control and easy modification. However, the conformation lability of an aptamer typically causes the dissociation of aptamer-target complexes during harsh washes and other environmental stresses, resulting in only moderate detection sensitivity and a decreasing therapeutic effect. Herein, we report a robust covalent aptamer strategy to sensitively detect nucleocapsid protein and potently neutralize spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD), two of the most important proteins of SARS-CoV-2, after testing different cross-link electrophilic groups via integrating the specificity and efficiency. Covalent aptamers can specifically convert aptamer-protein complexes from the dynamic equilibrium state to stable and irreversible covalent complexes even in harsh environments. Covalent aptamer-based ELISA detection of nucleocapsid protein can surpass the gold standard, antibody-based sandwich ELISA. Further, covalent aptamer performs enhanced functional inhibition to RBD protein even in a blood vessel-mimicking flowing circulation system. The robust covalent aptamer-based strategy is expected to inspire more applications in accurate molecular modification, disease biomarker discovery, and other theranostic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- LIMES
Chemical Biology Unit, Universität
Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jing Zhang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zhiyong huang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yuhang Yang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ting Fu
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yifan Lyu
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jianhui Jiang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Liping Qiu
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zehui Cao
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Qimin You
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Ustar
Biotechnologies (Hangzhou) Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Yuankui Lin
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Ustar
Biotechnologies (Hangzhou) Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Zilong Zhao
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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46
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Gu MM, Guan PC, Xu SS, Li HM, Kou YC, Lin XD, Kathiresan M, Song Y, Zhang YJ, Jin SZ, Li JF. Ultrasensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 S protein with aptamers biosensor based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:024203. [PMID: 36641419 DOI: 10.1063/5.0130011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapid and accurate diagnostic modality is essential to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we proposed a SARS-CoV-2 detection sensor based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to achieve rapid and ultrasensitive detection. The sensor utilized spike protein deoxyribonucleic acid aptamers with strong affinity as the recognition entity to achieve high specificity. The spherical cocktail aptamers-gold nanoparticles (SCAP) SERS substrate was used as the base and Au nanoparticles modified with the Raman reporter molecule that resonates with the excitation light and spike protein aptamers were used as the SERS nanoprobe. The SCAP substrate and SERS nanoprobes were used to target and capture the SARS-CoV-2 S protein to form a sandwich structure on the Au film substrate, which can generate ultra-strong "hot spots" to achieve ultrasensitive detection. Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 S protein was performed by monitoring changes in SERS peak intensity on a SCAP SERS substrate-based detection platform. This assay detects S protein with a LOD of less than 0.7 fg mL-1 and pseudovirus as low as 0.8 TU mL-1 in about 12 min. The results of the simulated oropharyngeal swab system in this study indicated the possibility of it being used for clinical detection, providing a potential option for rapid and accurate diagnosis and more effective control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Man Gu
- Key Laboratory for Modern Measurement Technology and Instruments of Zhejiang Province, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shan-Shan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hong-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yi-Chuan Kou
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Murugavel Kathiresan
- Electro-Organic Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi 630003, India
| | - Yanling Song
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yue-Jiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shang-Zhong Jin
- Key Laboratory for Modern Measurement Technology and Instruments of Zhejiang Province, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jian-Feng Li
- Key Laboratory for Modern Measurement Technology and Instruments of Zhejiang Province, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Juhas M. COVID-19. BRIEF LESSONS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2023:123-133. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-29544-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Kulabhusan PK, Pishva P, Çapkın E, Tambe P, Yüce M. Aptamer-based Emerging Tools for Viral Biomarker Detection: A Focus on SARS-CoV-2. Curr Med Chem 2023; 30:910-934. [PMID: 35156569 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220214101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections can cause fatal illnesses to humans as well as animals. Early detection of viruses is therefore crucial to provide effective treatment to patients. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly given an alarming call to develop rapid and sensitive detection platforms. The viral diagnostic tools need to be fast, affordable, and easy to operate with high sensitivity and specificity equivalent or superior to the currently used diagnostic methods. The present detection methods include direct detection of viral antigens or measuring the response of antibodies to viral infections. However, the sensitivity and quantification of the virus are still a significant challenge. Detection tools employing synthetic binding molecules like aptamers may provide several advantages over the conventional methods that use antibodies in the assay format. Aptamers are highly stable and tailorable molecules and are therefore ideal for detection and chemical sensing applications. This review article discusses various advances made in aptamer-based viral detection platforms, including electrochemical, optical, and colorimetric methods to detect viruses, specifically SARS-Cov-2. Considering the several advantages, aptamers could be game-changing in designing high-throughput biosensors for viruses and other biomedical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabir Kumar Kulabhusan
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Parsa Pishva
- Sabanci University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
| | - Eda Çapkın
- Sabanci University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
| | - Prajakta Tambe
- Wellcome-- Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Meral Yüce
- Sabanci University, SUNUM Nanotechnology Research, and Application Centre, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey
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Aptamers Enhance Oncolytic Viruses' Antitumor Efficacy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010151. [PMID: 36678780 PMCID: PMC9864469 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are highly promising for cancer treatment because they target and lyse tumor cells. These genetically engineered vectors introduce therapeutic or immunostimulatory genes into the tumor. However, viral therapy is not always safe and effective. Several problems are related to oncolytic viruses' targeted delivery to the tumor and immune system neutralization in the bloodstream. Cryoprotection and preventing viral particles from aggregating during storage are other critical issues. Aptamers, short RNA, or DNA oligonucleotides may help to crawl through this bottleneck. They are not immunogenic, are easily synthesized, can be chemically modified, and are not very demanding in storage conditions. It is possible to select an aptamer that specifically binds to any target cell, oncolytic virus, or molecule using the SELEX technology. This review comprehensively highlights the most important research and methodological approaches related to oncolytic viruses and nucleic acid aptamers. Here, we also analyze possible future research directions for combining these two methodologies to improve the effectiveness of cancer virotherapy.
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Ayass MA, Tripathi T, Griko N, Pashkov V, Dai J, Zhang J, Herbert FC, Ramankutty Nair R, Okyay T, Zhu K, Gassensmith JJ, Abi-Mosleh L. Highly efficacious and safe neutralizing DNA aptamer of SARS-CoV-2 as an emerging therapy for COVID-19 disease. Virol J 2022; 19:227. [PMID: 36581924 PMCID: PMC9800238 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01943-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The paucity of SARS-CoV-2-specific virulence factors has greatly hampered the therapeutic management of patients with COVID-19 disease. Although available vaccines and approved therapies have shown tremendous benefits, the continuous emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 and side effects of existing treatments continue to challenge therapy, necessitating the development of a novel effective therapy. We have previously shown that our developed novel single-stranded DNA aptamers not only target the trimer S protein of SARS-CoV-2, but also block the interaction between ACE2 receptors and trimer S protein of Wuhan origin, Delta, Delta plus, Alpha, Lambda, Mu, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. We herein performed in vivo experiments that administer the aptamer to the lungs by intubation as well as in vitro studies utilizing PBMCs to prove the efficacy and safety of our most effective aptamer, AYA2012004_L. METHODS In vivo studies were conducted in transgenic mice expressing human ACE2 (K18hACE2), C57BL/6J, and Balb/cJ. Flow cytometry was used to check S-protein expressing pseudo-virus-like particles (VLP) uptake by the lung cells and test the immuogenicity of AYA2012004_L. Ames test was used to assess mutagenicity of AYA2012004_L. RT-PCR and histopathology were used to determine the biodistribution and toxicity of AYA2012004_L in vital organs of mice. RESULTS We measured the in vivo uptake of VLPs by lung cells by detecting GFP signal using flow cytometry. AYA2012004_L specifically neutralized VLP uptake and also showed no inflammatory response in mice lungs. In addition, AYA2012004_L did not induce inflammatory response in the lungs of Th1 and Th2 mouse models as well as human PBMCs. AYA2012004_L was detectable in mice lungs and noticeable in insignificant amounts in other vital organs. Accumulation of AYA2012004_L in organs decreased over time. AYA2012004_L did not induce degenerative signs in tissues as seen by histopathology and did not cause changes in the body weight of mice. Ames test also certified that AYA2012004_L is non-mutagenic and proved it to be safe for in vivo studies. CONCLUSIONS Our aptamer is safe, effective, and can neutralize the uptake of VLPs by lung cells when administered locally suggesting that it can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natalya Griko
- Ayass Bioscience, LLC, 8501 Wade Blvd, Bldg 9, Frisco, TX 75034 USA
| | - Victor Pashkov
- Ayass Bioscience, LLC, 8501 Wade Blvd, Bldg 9, Frisco, TX 75034 USA
| | - Jun Dai
- Ayass Bioscience, LLC, 8501 Wade Blvd, Bldg 9, Frisco, TX 75034 USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Ayass Bioscience, LLC, 8501 Wade Blvd, Bldg 9, Frisco, TX 75034 USA
| | - Fabian C. Herbert
- grid.267323.10000 0001 2151 7939University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | | | - Tutku Okyay
- Ayass Bioscience, LLC, 8501 Wade Blvd, Bldg 9, Frisco, TX 75034 USA
| | - Kevin Zhu
- Ayass Bioscience, LLC, 8501 Wade Blvd, Bldg 9, Frisco, TX 75034 USA
| | - Jeremiah J. Gassensmith
- grid.267323.10000 0001 2151 7939University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Lina Abi-Mosleh
- Ayass Bioscience, LLC, 8501 Wade Blvd, Bldg 9, Frisco, TX 75034 USA
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