1
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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. [PMID: 38829187 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00774j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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2
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Moneshwaran S, Macrin D, Kanagathara N. An unprecedented global challenge, emerging trends and innovations in the fight against COVID-19: A comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131324. [PMID: 38574936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131324] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious and dangerous virus that caused the global COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. It primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to severe illness and high rates of mortality worldwide. The virus enters the body by binding to a receptor called ACE2, which is present in specific cells of the lungs known as type 2 alveolar epithelial cells. Numerous studies have investigated the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, revealing various impacts on the body. This review provides an overview of SARS-CoV-2, including its structure and how it infects cells. It also examines the different variants of concern, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and the more recent Omicron variant, discussing their characteristics and the level of damage they cause. The usage of drugs to treat COVID-19 is another aspect that has been covered and compares the effectiveness and use of antiviral drugs in the treatment and its potential benefits in COVID-19 treatment. Furthermore, this review explores the consequences and abnormalities associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including its impact on various organs and systems in the body. And also discussing the different COVID-19 vaccines available and their effectiveness in preventing infection and reducing the severity of illness. The current review ensures the recent update of the COVID research with expert's knowledge, collection of numerous data from reliable sources and methodologies as well as update of findings based on reviews. This review also provided clear contextual explanations to aid the interpretation and application of the results. The main motto and limitation of this manuscript are to address the computational methods of drug discovery against the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has been discussed. Additionally, current computational approaches which are cost effective and can able to predict the therapeutic agents for the treatment against the virus have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Moneshwaran
- Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, India
| | - D Macrin
- Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, India
| | - N Kanagathara
- Department of Physics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, India.
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3
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Coan M, Haefliger S, Ounzain S, Johnson R. Targeting and engineering long non-coding RNAs for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Genet 2024:10.1038/s41576-024-00693-2. [PMID: 38424237 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-024-00693-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (RNATx) aim to treat diseases, including cancer, by targeting or employing RNA molecules for therapeutic purposes. Amongst the most promising targets are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which regulate oncogenic molecular networks in a cell type-restricted manner. lncRNAs are distinct from protein-coding genes in important ways that increase their therapeutic potential yet also present hurdles to conventional clinical development. Advances in genome editing, oligonucleotide chemistry, multi-omics and RNA engineering are paving the way for efficient and cost-effective lncRNA-focused drug discovery pipelines. In this Review, we present the emerging field of lncRNA therapeutics for oncology, with emphasis on the unique strengths and challenges of lncRNAs within the broader RNATx framework. We outline the necessary steps for lncRNA therapeutics to deliver effective, durable, tolerable and personalized treatments for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Coan
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon Haefliger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Rory Johnson
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland.
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4
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Mahalakshmi V, Balobaid A, Kanisha B, Sasirekha R, Ramkumar Raja M. Artificial Intelligence: A Next-Level Approach in Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060854. [PMID: 36981511 PMCID: PMC10048108 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which caused coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) in late 2019 in China created a devastating economical loss and loss of human lives. To date, 11 variants have been identified with minimum to maximum severity of infection and surges in cases. Bacterial co-infection/secondary infection is identified during viral respiratory infection, which is a vital reason for morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of secondary infections is an additional burden to the healthcare system; therefore, the quick diagnosis of both COVID-19 and secondary infections will reduce work pressure on healthcare workers. Therefore, well-established support from Artificial Intelligence (AI) could reduce the stress in healthcare and even help in creating novel products to defend against the coronavirus. AI is one of the rapidly growing fields with numerous applications for the healthcare sector. The present review aims to access the recent literature on the role of AI and how its subfamily machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) are used to curb the pandemic’s effects. We discuss the role of AI in COVID-19 infections, the detection of secondary infections, technology-assisted protection from COVID-19, global laws and regulations on AI, and the impact of the pandemic on public life.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Mahalakshmi
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Science & Information Technology, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Awatef Balobaid
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Science & Information Technology, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - B. Kanisha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Computing, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, India
| | - R. Sasirekha
- Department of Computing Technologies, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Campus, Chengalpattu 603203, India
| | - M. Ramkumar Raja
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Tsakiroglou M, Evans A, Pirmohamed M. Leveraging transcriptomics for precision diagnosis: Lessons learned from cancer and sepsis. Front Genet 2023; 14:1100352. [PMID: 36968610 PMCID: PMC10036914 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnostics require precision and predictive ability to be clinically useful. Integration of multi-omic with clinical data is crucial to our understanding of disease pathogenesis and diagnosis. However, interpretation of overwhelming amounts of information at the individual level requires sophisticated computational tools for extraction of clinically meaningful outputs. Moreover, evolution of technical and analytical methods often outpaces standardisation strategies. RNA is the most dynamic component of all -omics technologies carrying an abundance of regulatory information that is least harnessed for use in clinical diagnostics. Gene expression-based tests capture genetic and non-genetic heterogeneity and have been implemented in certain diseases. For example patients with early breast cancer are spared toxic unnecessary treatments with scores based on the expression of a set of genes (e.g., Oncotype DX). The ability of transcriptomics to portray the transcriptional status at a moment in time has also been used in diagnosis of dynamic diseases such as sepsis. Gene expression profiles identify endotypes in sepsis patients with prognostic value and a potential to discriminate between viral and bacterial infection. The application of transcriptomics for patient stratification in clinical environments and clinical trials thus holds promise. In this review, we discuss the current clinical application in the fields of cancer and infection. We use these paradigms to highlight the impediments in identifying useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and propose approaches to overcome them and aid efforts towards clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsakiroglou
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Maria Tsakiroglou,
| | - Anthony Evans
- Computational Biology Facility, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Munir Pirmohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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6
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Cardador CM, Muehlmann LA, Coelho CM, Silva LP, Garay AV, Carvalho AMDS, Bastos IMD, Longo JPF. Nucleotides Entrapped in Liposome Nanovesicles as Tools for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Use in Biomedical Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:873. [PMID: 36986734 PMCID: PMC10056227 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of nucleotides for biomedical applications is an old desire in the scientific community. As we will present here, there are references published over the past 40 years with this intended use. The main problem is that, as unstable molecules, nucleotides require some additional protection to extend their shelf life in the biological environment. Among the different nucleotide carriers, the nano-sized liposomes proved to be an effective strategic tool to overcome all these drawbacks related to the nucleotide high instability. Moreover, due to their low immunogenicity and easy preparation, the liposomes were selected as the main strategy for delivery of the mRNA developed for COVID-19 immunization. For sure this is the most important and relevant example of nucleotide application for human biomedical conditions. In addition, the use of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 has increased interest in the application of this type of technology to other health conditions. For this review article, we will present some of these examples, especially focused on the use of liposomes to protect and deliver nucleotides for cancer therapy, immunostimulatory activities, enzymatic diagnostic applications, some examples for veterinarian use, and the treatment of neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Magalhães Cardador
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Cíntia Marques Coelho
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Science, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Luciano Paulino Silva
- Laboratório de Nanobiotecnologia (LNANO), Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - Aisel Valle Garay
- Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Science, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Izabela Marques Dourado Bastos
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Figueiró Longo
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
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7
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Saber Sichani A, Ranjbar M, Baneshi M, Torabi Zadeh F, Fallahi J. A Review on Advanced CRISPR-Based Genome-Editing Tools: Base Editing and Prime Editing. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 65:849-860. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00639-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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8
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Viegas JSR, Bentley MVLB, Vicentini FTMDC. Challenges to perform an efficiently gene therapy adopting non-viral vectors: Melanoma landscape. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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9
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Transcriptomics and RNA-Based Therapeutics as Potential Approaches to Manage SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911058. [PMID: 36232363 PMCID: PMC9570475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus family member that appeared in China in December 2019 and caused the disease called COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic in 2020 by the World Health Organization. In recent months, great efforts have been made in the field of basic and clinical research to understand the biology and infection processes of SARS-CoV-2. In particular, transcriptome analysis has contributed to generating new knowledge of the viral sequences and intracellular signaling pathways that regulate the infection and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, generating new information about its biology. Furthermore, transcriptomics approaches including spatial transcriptomics, single-cell transcriptomics and direct RNA sequencing have been used for clinical applications in monitoring, detection, diagnosis, and treatment to generate new clinical predictive models for SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, RNA-based therapeutics and their relationship with SARS-CoV-2 have emerged as promising strategies to battle the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with the assistance of novel approaches such as CRISPR-CAS, ASOs, and siRNA systems. Lastly, we discuss the importance of precision public health in the management of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and establish that the fusion of transcriptomics, RNA-based therapeutics, and precision public health will allow a linkage for developing health systems that facilitate the acquisition of relevant clinical strategies for rapid decision making to assist in the management and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2-infected population to combat this global public health problem.
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10
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De Mey W, Esprit A, Thielemans K, Breckpot K, Franceschini L. RNA in Cancer Immunotherapy: Unlocking the Potential of the Immune System. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3929-3939. [PMID: 35583609 PMCID: PMC9475240 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the manufacturing, modification, purification, and cellular delivery of ribonucleic acid (RNA) have enabled the development of RNA-based therapeutics for a broad array of applications. The approval of two SARS-CoV-2-targeting mRNA-based vaccines has highlighted the advances of this technology. Offering rapid and straightforward manufacturing, clinical safety, and versatility, this paves the way for RNA therapeutics to expand into cancer immunotherapy. Together with ongoing trials on RNA cancer vaccination and cellular therapy, RNA therapeutics could be introduced into clinical practice, possibly stewarding future personalized approaches. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in RNA-based immuno-oncology together with an update on ongoing clinical applications and their current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wout De Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Esprit
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Corresponding Author: Karine Breckpot, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: 32-2-477-45-66; E-mail:
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Ning L, Liu M, Gou Y, Yang Y, He B, Huang J. Development and application of ribonucleic acid therapy strategies against COVID-19. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5070-5085. [PMID: 35982905 PMCID: PMC9379410 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.72706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), remaining a global health crisis since its outbreak until now. Advanced biotechnology and research findings have revealed many suitable viral and host targets for a wide range of therapeutic strategies. The emerging ribonucleic acid therapy can modulate gene expression by post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) based on Watson-Crick base pairing. RNA therapies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), ribozymes, RNA interference (RNAi), aptamers, etc., were used to treat SARS-CoV whose genome is similar to SARV-CoV-2, and the past experience also applies for the treatment of COVID-19. Several studies against SARS-CoV-2 based on RNA therapeutic strategy have been reported, and a dozen of relevant preclinical or clinical trials are in process globally. RNA therapy has been a very active and important part of COVID-19 treatment. In this review, we focus on the progress of ribonucleic acid therapeutic strategies development and application, discuss corresponding problems and challenges, and suggest new strategies and solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ning
- School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Sichuan, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
| | - Mujiexin Liu
- Ineye Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan, China
| | - Yushu Gou
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
| | - Bifang He
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
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12
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Tekeli T, Dénes A, Röst G. Adaptive group testing in a compartmental model of COVID-19 . MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:11018-11033. [PMID: 36124578 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Various measures have been implemented around the world to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. A potential tool to reduce disease transmission is regular mass testing of a high percentage of the population, possibly with pooling (testing a compound of several samples with one single test). We develop a compartmental model to study the applicability of this method and compare different pooling strategies: regular and Dorfman pooling. The model includes isolated compartments as well, from where individuals rejoin the active population after some time delay. We develop a method to optimize Dorfman pooling depending on disease prevalence and establish an adaptive strategy to select variable pool sizes during the course of the epidemic. It is shown that optimizing the pool size can avert a significant number of infections. The adaptive strategy is much more efficient, and may prevent an epidemic outbreak even in situations when a fixed pool size strategy can not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Tekeli
- Bolyai Institute, University of Szeged, Aradi vértanúk tere 1., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Dénes
- Bolyai Institute, University of Szeged, Aradi vértanúk tere 1., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergely Röst
- Bolyai Institute, University of Szeged, Aradi vértanúk tere 1., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
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13
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Saravanan KA, Panigrahi M, Kumar H, Rajawat D, Nayak SS, Bhushan B, Dutt T. Role of genomics in combating COVID-19 pandemic. Gene 2022; 823:146387. [PMID: 35248659 PMCID: PMC8894692 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quickly swept over the world, becoming one of the most devastating outbreaks in human history. Being the first pandemic in the post-genomic era, advancements in genomics contributed significantly to scientific understanding and public health response to COVID-19. Genomic technologies have been employed by researchers all over the world to better understand the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and its origin, genomic diversity, and evolution. Worldwide genomic resources have greatly aided in the investigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has ushered in a new era of genomic surveillance, wherein scientists are tracking the changes of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in real-time at the international and national levels. Availability of genomic and proteomic information enables the rapid development of molecular diagnostics and therapeutics. The advent of high-throughput sequencing and genome editing technologies led to the development of modern vaccines. We briefly discuss the impact of genomics in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Saravanan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, UP, India
| | - Manjit Panigrahi
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, UP, India.
| | - Harshit Kumar
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, UP, India
| | - Divya Rajawat
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, UP, India
| | - Sonali Sonejita Nayak
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, UP, India
| | - Bharat Bhushan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, UP, India
| | - Triveni Dutt
- Livestock Production and Management Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, UP, India
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14
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Aydogdu MO, Rohn JL, Jafari NV, Brako F, Homer‐Vanniasinkam S, Edirisinghe M. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Type 2-Causing Coronavirus: Variants and Preventive Strategies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104495. [PMID: 35037418 PMCID: PMC9008798 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines have constituted a substantial scientific leap in countering severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2-causing coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), and worldwide implementation of vaccination programs has significantly contributed to the global pandemic effort by saving many lives. However, the continuous evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome has resulted in different variants with a diverse range of mutations, some with enhanced virulence compared with previous lineages. Such variants are still a great concern as they have the potential to reduce vaccine efficacy and increase the viral transmission rate. This review summarizes the significant variants of SARS-CoV-2 encountered to date (December 2021) and discusses a spectrum of possible preventive strategies, with an emphasis on physical and materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Onur Aydogdu
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College London (UCL)Torrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Jennifer L. Rohn
- Department of Renal MedicineDivision of MedicineUniversity College LondonRowland Hill StreetLondonNW3 2PFUK
| | - Nazila V. Jafari
- Department of Renal MedicineDivision of MedicineUniversity College LondonRowland Hill StreetLondonNW3 2PFUK
| | - Francis Brako
- Medway School of PharmacyUniversities at MedwayChathamME4 4TBUK
| | | | - Mohan Edirisinghe
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College London (UCL)Torrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
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15
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Abusalah MAH, Khalifa M, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Jarrar M, Mohamud R, Chan YY. Nucleic Acid-Based COVID-19 Therapy Targeting Cytokine Storms: Strategies to Quell the Storm. J Pers Med 2022; 12:386. [PMID: 35330388 PMCID: PMC8948998 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shaken the world and triggered drastic changes in our lifestyle to control it. Despite the non-typical efforts, COVID-19 still thrives and plagues humanity worldwide. The unparalleled degree of infection has been met with an exceptional degree of research to counteract it. Many drugs and therapeutic technologies have been repurposed and discovered, but no groundbreaking antiviral agent has been introduced yet to eradicate COVID-19 and restore normalcy. As lethality is directly correlated with the severity of disease, hospitalized severe cases are of the greatest importance to reduce, especially the cytokine storm phenomenon. This severe inflammatory phenomenon characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory mediators can be targeted to relieve symptoms and save the infected patients. One of the promising therapeutic strategies to combat COVID-19 is nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches, including microRNAs (miRNAs). This work is an up-to-date review aimed to comprehensively discuss the current nucleic acid-based therapeutics against COVID-19 and their mechanisms of action, taking into consideration the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, as well as providing potential future directions. miRNAs can be used to run interference with the expression of viral proteins, while endogenous miRNAs can be targeted as well, offering a versatile platform to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. By targeting these miRNAs, the COVID-19-induced cytokine storm can be suppressed. Therefore, nucleic acid-based therapeutics (miRNAs included) have a latent ability to break the COVID-19 infection in general and quell the cytokine storm in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
| | - Moad Khalifa
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
| | - Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (M.A.I.A.-H.); (R.M.)
| | - Mu’taman Jarrar
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia;
- Medical Education Department, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar 34445, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (M.A.I.A.-H.); (R.M.)
| | - Yean Yean Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
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16
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Dhar BC. Diagnostic assay and technology advancement for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:2903-2934. [PMID: 35211785 PMCID: PMC8872642 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-03918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-caused COVID-19 pandemic has transmitted to humans in practically all parts of the world, producing socio-economic turmoil. There is an urgent need for precise, fast, and affordable diagnostic testing to be widely available for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and its mutations in various phases of the disease. Early diagnosis with great precision has been achieved using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and similar other molecular methods, but theseapproaches are costly and involve rigorous processes that are not easily obtainable. Conversely, immunoassays that detect a small number of antibodies have been employed for quick, low-cost tests, but their efficiency in diagnosing infected people has been restricted. The use of biosensors in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 is vital for the COVID-19 pandemic’s control. This review gives an overview of COVID-19 diagnostic approaches that are currently being developed as well as nanomaterial-based biosensor technologies, to aid future technological advancement and innovation. These approaches can be integrated into point-of-care (POC) devices to quickly identify a large number of infected patients and asymptomatic carriers. The ongoing research endeavors and developments in complementary technologies will play a significant role in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and fill the knowledge gaps in current diagnostic accuracy and capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidhan C Dhar
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), 205 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
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17
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Zhang Y, Almazi JG, Ong HX, Johansen MD, Ledger S, Traini D, Hansbro PM, Kelleher AD, Ahlenstiel CL. Nanoparticle Delivery Platforms for RNAi Therapeutics Targeting COVID-19 Disease in the Respiratory Tract. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2408. [PMID: 35269550 PMCID: PMC8909959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, a pandemic of COVID-19 disease, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread across the globe. At present, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued emergency approval for the use of some antiviral drugs. However, these drugs still have limitations in the specific treatment of COVID-19, and as such, new treatment strategies urgently need to be developed. RNA-interference-based gene therapy provides a tractable target for antiviral treatment. Ensuring cell-specific targeted delivery is important to the success of gene therapy. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers for the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNAs) to specific tissues or organs of the human body could play a crucial role in the specific therapy of severe respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. In this review, we describe a variety of novel nanocarriers, such as lipid NPs, star polymer NPs, and glycogen NPs, and summarize the pre-clinical/clinical progress of these nanoparticle platforms in siRNA delivery. We also discuss the application of various NP-capsulated siRNA as therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the challenges with targeting these therapeutics to local delivery in the lung, and various inhalation devices used for therapeutic administration. We also discuss currently available animal models that are used for preclinical assessment of RNA-interference-based gene therapy. Advances in this field have the potential for antiviral treatments of COVID-19 disease and could be adapted to treat a range of respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Juhura G. Almazi
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia; (J.G.A.); (H.X.O.); (D.T.)
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Hui Xin Ong
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia; (J.G.A.); (H.X.O.); (D.T.)
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Matt D. Johansen
- Centre for Inflammation, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (M.D.J.); (P.M.H.)
| | - Scott Ledger
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Daniela Traini
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia; (J.G.A.); (H.X.O.); (D.T.)
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (M.D.J.); (P.M.H.)
| | - Anthony D. Kelleher
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (A.D.K.)
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18
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Hegde S, Tang Z, Zhao J, Wang J. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by Targeting Conserved Viral RNA Structures and Sequences. Front Chem 2021; 9:802766. [PMID: 35004621 PMCID: PMC8733332 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.802766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19/Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has become a significant threat to public health and has hugely impacted societies globally. Targeting conserved SARS-CoV-2 RNA structures and sequences essential for viral genome translation is a novel approach to inhibit viral infection and progression. This new pharmacological modality compasses two classes of RNA-targeting molecules: 1) synthetic small molecules that recognize secondary or tertiary RNA structures and 2) antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that recognize the RNA primary sequence. These molecules can also serve as a "bait" fragment in RNA degrading chimeras to eliminate the viral RNA genome. This new type of chimeric RNA degrader is recently named ribonuclease targeting chimera or RIBOTAC. This review paper summarizes the sequence conservation in SARS-CoV-2 and the current development of RNA-targeting molecules to combat this virus. These RNA-binding molecules will also serve as an emerging class of antiviral drug candidates that might pivot to address future viral outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jingxin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
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19
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Ambike S, Cheng CC, Feuerherd M, Velkov S, Baldassi D, Afridi SQ, Porras-Gonzalez D, Wei X, Hagen P, Kneidinger N, Stoleriu MG, Grass V, Burgstaller G, Pichlmair A, Merkel OM, Ko C, Michler T. Targeting genomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA with siRNAs allows efficient inhibition of viral replication and spread. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:333-349. [PMID: 34928377 PMCID: PMC8754636 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A promising approach to tackle the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) could be small interfering (si)RNAs. So far it is unclear, which viral replication steps can be efficiently inhibited with siRNAs. Here, we report that siRNAs can target genomic RNA (gRNA) of SARS-CoV-2 after cell entry, and thereby terminate replication before start of transcription and prevent virus-induced cell death. Coronaviruses replicate via negative sense RNA intermediates using a unique discontinuous transcription process. As a result, each viral RNA contains identical sequences at the 5′ and 3′ end. Surprisingly, siRNAs were not active against intermediate negative sense transcripts. Targeting common sequences shared by all viral transcripts allowed simultaneous suppression of gRNA and subgenomic (sg)RNAs by a single siRNA. The most effective suppression of viral replication and spread, however, was achieved by siRNAs that targeted open reading frame 1 (ORF1) which only exists in gRNA. In contrast, siRNAs that targeted the common regions of transcripts were outcompeted by the highly abundant sgRNAs leading to an impaired antiviral efficacy. Verifying the translational relevance of these findings, we show that a chemically modified siRNA that targets a highly conserved region of ORF1, inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication ex vivo in explants of the human lung. Our work encourages the development of siRNA-based therapies for COVID-19 and suggests that early therapy start, or prophylactic application, together with specifically targeting gRNA, might be key for high antiviral efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhankar Ambike
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Cho-Chin Cheng
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Feuerherd
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Stoyan Velkov
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Domizia Baldassi
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Suliman Qadir Afridi
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Diana Porras-Gonzalez
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) with the CPC-M bioArchive, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Xin Wei
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) with the CPC-M bioArchive, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Hagen
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Kneidinger
- Department of Medicine V, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Mircea Gabriel Stoleriu
- Center for Thoracic Surgery Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich (LMU) and Asklepios Pulmonary Hospital; Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich and Robert-Koch-Allee 2, 82131 Gauting, Germany
| | - Vincent Grass
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerald Burgstaller
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) with the CPC-M bioArchive, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Germany
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) with the CPC-M bioArchive, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Chunkyu Ko
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany.,Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 34114 Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Thomas Michler
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Germany
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20
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Gedefaw L, Ullah S, Lee TMH, Yip SP, Huang CL. Targeting Inflammasome Activation in COVID-19: Delivery of RNA Interference-Based Therapeutic Molecules. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1823. [PMID: 34944639 PMCID: PMC8698532 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mortality and morbidity associated with COVID-19 continue to be significantly high worldwide, owing to the absence of effective treatment strategies. The emergence of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 is also a considerable source of concern and has led to challenges in the development of better prevention and treatment strategies, including vaccines. Immune dysregulation due to pro-inflammatory mediators has worsened the situation in COVID-19 patients. Inflammasomes play a critical role in modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and their activation is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment using different approaches are currently underway. Targeting different inflammasomes to reduce the cytokine storm, and its associated complications, in COVID-19 patients is a new area of research. Non-coding RNAs, targeting inflammasome activation, may serve as an effective treatment strategy. However, the efficacy of these therapeutic agents is highly dependent on the delivery system. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in conjunction with an efficient delivery vehicle, present a potential strategy for regulating NLRP3 activity through various RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms. In this regard, the use of nanomaterials and other vehicle types for the delivery of RNAi-based therapeutic molecules for COVID-19 may serve as a novel approach for enhancing drug efficacy. The present review briefly summarizes immune dysregulation and its consequences, the roles of different non-coding RNAs in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, distinct types of vectors for their delivery, and potential therapeutic targets of microRNA for treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lealem Gedefaw
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (L.G.); (S.U.)
| | - Sami Ullah
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (L.G.); (S.U.)
| | - Thomas M. H. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Shea Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (L.G.); (S.U.)
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (L.G.); (S.U.)
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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21
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Sanchez-Galan JE, Ureña G, Escovar LF, Fabrega-Duque JR, Coles A, Kurt Z. Challenges to detect SARS-CoV-2 on environmental media, the need and strategies to implement the detection methodologies in wastewaters. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 9:105881. [PMID: 34221893 PMCID: PMC8239206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.105881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding risks, putting in place preventative methods to seamlessly continue daily activities are essential tools to fight a pandemic. All social, commercial and leisure activities have an impact on the environmental media. Therefore, to accurately predict the fate and behavior of viruses in the environment, it is necessary to understand and analyze available detection methods, possible transmission pathways and preventative techniques. The aim of this review is to critically analyze and summarize the research done regarding SARS-COV-2 virus detection, focusing on sampling and laboratory detection methods in environmental media. Special attention will be given to wastewater and sewage sludge. This review has summarized the survival of the virus on surfaces to estimate the risk carried by different environmental media (water, wastewater, air and soil) in order to explain which communities are under higher risk. The critical analysis concludes that the detection of SARS-CoV-2 with current technologies and sampling strategies would reveal the presence of the virus. This information could be used to design systematic sampling points throughout the sewage systems when available, taking into account peak flows and more importantly economic factors on when to sample. Such approaches will provide clues for potential future viral outbreak, saving financial resources by reducing testing necessities for viral detection, hence contributing for more appropriate confinement policies by governments and could be further used to define more precisely post-pandemic or additional waves measures if/ when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier E Sanchez-Galan
- Facultad de Ingeniería de Sistemas Computacionales (FISC), Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Panama
- Grupo de Investigación en Biotecnología, Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas (GIBBS), Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Panama
- Institute of Scientific Research and High Technology Services, Panama City, Panama
| | - Grimaldo Ureña
- Grupo de Investigación en Biotecnología, Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas (GIBBS), Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Panama
- Theoretical Evolutionary Genetics Laboratory, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jose R Fabrega-Duque
- Centro de Investigaciones Hidráulicas e Hidrotécnicas (CIHH), Universidad Tecnologica de Panama, Panama
| | - Alexander Coles
- Centro de Investigaciones Hidráulicas e Hidrotécnicas (CIHH), Universidad Tecnologica de Panama, Panama
| | - Zohre Kurt
- Grupo de Investigación en Biotecnología, Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas (GIBBS), Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Panama
- Urban Risk Center, Florida State University-Panama, Panama
- Institute of Scientific Research and High Technology Services, Panama City, Panama
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
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22
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Khaitov M, Nikonova A, Shilovskiy I, Kozhikhova K, Kofiadi I, Vishnyakova L, Nikolskii A, Gattinger P, Kovchina V, Barvinskaia E, Yumashev K, Smirnov V, Maerle A, Kozlov I, Shatilov A, Timofeeva A, Andreev S, Koloskova O, Kuznetsova N, Vasina D, Nikiforova M, Rybalkin S, Sergeev I, Trofimov D, Martynov A, Berzin I, Gushchin V, Kovalchuk A, Borisevich S, Valenta R, Khaitov R, Skvortsova V. Silencing of SARS-CoV-2 with modified siRNA-peptide dendrimer formulation. Allergy 2021; 76:2840-2854. [PMID: 33837568 PMCID: PMC8251148 DOI: 10.1111/all.14850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background First vaccines for prevention of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are becoming available but there is a huge and unmet need for specific forms of treatment. In this study we aimed to evaluate the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 effect of siRNA both in vitro and in vivo. Methods To identify the most effective molecule out of a panel of 15 in silico designed siRNAs, an in vitro screening system based on vectors expressing SARS‐CoV‐2 genes fused with the firefly luciferase reporter gene and SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected cells was used. The most potent siRNA, siR‐7, was modified by Locked nucleic acids (LNAs) to obtain siR‐7‐EM with increased stability and was formulated with the peptide dendrimer KK‐46 for enhancing cellular uptake to allow topical application by inhalation of the final formulation – siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46. Using the Syrian Hamster model for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection the antiviral capacity of siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46 complex was evaluated. Results We identified the siRNA, siR‐7, targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) as the most efficient siRNA inhibiting viral replication in vitro. Moreover, we showed that LNA‐modification and complexation with the designed peptide dendrimer enhanced the antiviral capacity of siR‐7 in vitro. We demonstrated significant reduction of virus titer and lung inflammation in animals exposed to inhalation of siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46 in vivo. Conclusions Thus, we developed a therapeutic strategy for COVID‐19 based on inhalation of a modified siRNA‐peptide dendrimer formulation. The developed medication is intended for inhalation treatment of COVID‐19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Nikonova
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA Moscow Russia
- Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera Moscow Russia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ivan Kozlov
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA Moscow Russia
| | | | | | | | | | - Nadezhda Kuznetsova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F.Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Daria Vasina
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F.Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Maria Nikiforova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F.Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | | | | | | | | | - Igor Berzin
- Federal Medico‐biological Agency of Russia (FMBA Russia) Moscow Russia
| | - Vladimir Gushchin
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F.Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Aleksey Kovalchuk
- 48 Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Sergei Borisevich
- 48 Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA Moscow Russia
- Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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23
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Lulla V, Wandel MP, Bandyra KJ, Ulferts R, Wu M, Dendooven T, Yang X, Doyle N, Oerum S, Beale R, O’Rourke SM, Randow F, Maier HJ, Scott W, Ding Y, Firth AE, Bloznelyte K, Luisi BF. Targeting the Conserved Stem Loop 2 Motif in the SARS-CoV-2 Genome. J Virol 2021; 95:e0066321. [PMID: 33963053 PMCID: PMC8223950 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00663-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA structural elements occur in numerous single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses. The stem-loop 2 motif (s2m) is one such element with an unusually high degree of sequence conservation, being found in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) in the genomes of many astroviruses, some picornaviruses and noroviruses, and a variety of coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. The evolutionary conservation and its occurrence in all viral subgenomic transcripts imply a key role for s2m in the viral infection cycle. Our findings indicate that the element, while stably folded, can nonetheless be invaded and remodeled spontaneously by antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that initiate pairing in exposed loops and trigger efficient sequence-specific RNA cleavage in reporter assays. ASOs also act to inhibit replication in an astrovirus replicon model system in a sequence-specific, dose-dependent manner and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell culture. Our results thus permit us to suggest that the s2m element is readily targeted by ASOs, which show promise as antiviral agents. IMPORTANCE The highly conserved stem-loop 2 motif (s2m) is found in the genomes of many RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Our findings indicate that the s2m element can be targeted by antisense oligonucleotides. The antiviral potential of this element represents a promising start for further research into targeting conserved elements in RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lulla
- Department of Pathology, Division of Virology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Mary Wu
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Dendooven
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaofei Yang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Doyle
- Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Oerum
- CNRS-Université Paris Diderot, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Paris, France
| | - Rupert Beale
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara M. O’Rourke
- University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Felix Randow
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - William Scott
- University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Yiliang Ding
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew E. Firth
- Department of Pathology, Division of Virology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kotryna Bloznelyte
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ben F. Luisi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
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