Exploring the Effect of Structure-Based Scaffold Hopping on the Inhibition of Coxsackievirus A24v Transduction by Pentavalent N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Conjugates

Insights on the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the eyes

A novel coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCOV), causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly spread to most countries and regions worldwide since it broke out at the end of 2019. Epidemic of the virus produces a tremendous pressure on the global health systems. With progressive insight into SARS-CoV-2, the role of eye tissue has attracted wide attention in the spread of COVID-19. Whether SARS-CoV-2 can enter the human body through eyes and cause infection? The fact that unprotected exposure of the eyes to 2019-nCoV might have allowed the virus to infect the body implies that 2019-nCOV can invade eye tissue and set foot in organism. Facing the severe challenge of preventing spread of the COVID-19, combined with the high-risk environment of ophthalmology, it is crucial to investigate ocular tropism of coronavirus. This paper explores the possibility of coronavirus transmission through the eye from aspects of probable mechanisms, clinical cases, detection of coronavirus; and puts forward precautions for ophthalmologists and nurses. Consequently, this review reveals our understanding of ocular tropism of coronavirus and contributes to determining risk of ocular transmission, raising awareness of necessary eye protection among medical workers and reducing further prevalence of SARS-CoV-2.

Exploring divalent conjugates of 5-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid as inhibitors of coxsackievirus A24 variant (CVA24v) transduction

Coxsackievirus A24 variant (CVA24v) is responsible for several outbreaks and two pandemics of the highly contagious eye infection acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). Currently, neither prevention (vaccines) nor treatments (antivirals) are available for combating this disease. CVA24v attaches to cells by binding Neu5Ac-containing glycans on the surface of cells which facilitates entry. Previously, we have demonstrated that pentavalent Neu5Ac conjugates attenuate CVA24v infection of human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells. In this study, we report on the structure-based design of three classes of divalent Neu5Ac conjugates, with varying spacer lengths, and their effect on CVA24v transduction in HCE cells. In relative terms, the most efficient class of divalent Neu5Ac conjugates are more efficient than the pentavalent Neu5Ac conjugates previously reported.