Development of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Neutralizing Protein Nanoparticles

An RNA virus known as coronavirus, which was first discovered in 1960, gets its name from the Latin word corona, which means "crown," which refers to the spikes on the envelope. When exposed to the environment, these viruses are dormant because they lack ribosomes. There are now 7 human coronaviruses that are known. The COVID-19 sickness was brought on by the SARS-CoV2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) virus outbreak at Wuhan Provision on January 7, 2020, in China (Corona Virus Disease-2019). The virus enters by the fusion of the viral spike protein (S) and the ACE2 (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptors on the host cells expressed by the proximal renal tubules, thyroid gland, intestinal tract, seminal vesicle, epididymis, nasal ciliated cells, and pneumocytes.

For COVID-19 patients up until this point, monoclonal antibody therapy has been an effective treatment. The B-cells of COVID-19 patients are used to create high-affinity monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using the phage display approach. Monoclonal antibodies, however, quickly cleave the body and quickly trap the antibodies in the lungs. Moreover, for COVID-19 treatment, a large density of inhibitory domains is required to achieve optimum blockage efficiency.

As a result, scientists have created a protein nanoparticle that was modelled after how amyloids form and is capable of neutralizing the SARS-CoV2 virus. As amyloid accumulates up in organs, it triggers a rare condition that is caused by these highly organized proteins. They are connected to biological processes as well as illnesses like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and PrP prion.

Researchers used the sup53 protein's soft amyloid core (SAC), which is fused with two protein mini-binders called LCB1 and LCB3, to create this new proposed nanoparticle (Long chain base biosynthesis protein 1 and Long chain base biosynthesis protein 3). Three helices are used to create LCB1 and LCB3, which makes them stable and able to make several interactions with viral proteins. Created pure and uniform spherical nanoparticles can prevent the spike-RBD protein from interacting with the host's ACE2 receptor. This substance has been referred to by researchers as OligoBinders.

Due to their biocompatibility, durability, effectiveness, simplicity in manufacture, purification, and assembly, oligo binders are new particles that prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering human tissues. They are thus an excellent substitute for halting the virus's manifestation in the human body.

References:

• Molood Behbahani Pour et al, OligoBinders: Bioengineered Soluble Amyloid-like Nanoparticles to Bind and Neutralise SARS-CoV-2, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2023). (DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18305)

• https://phys.org/news/2023-02-protein-based-nanoparticles-neutralize-sars-cov2-virus.html