Abstract
The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike (S) protein plays a central role in mediating the first step of virus infection to cause disease: virus binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on human host cells. Therefore, S/RBD is an ideal target for blocking and neutralization therapies to prevent and treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using a target-based selection approach, we developed oligonucleotide aptamers containing a conserved sequence motif that specifically targets S/RBD. Synthetic aptamers had high binding affinity for S/RBD-coated virus mimics (KD≈7 nM) and also blocked interaction of S/RBD with ACE2 receptors (IC50≈5 nM). Importantly, aptamers were able to neutralize S protein-expressing viral particles and prevent host cell infection, suggesting a promising COVID-19 therapy strategy.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 10273-10278 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Angewandte Chemie - International Edition |
| Volume | 60 |
| Issue number | 18 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 26 2021 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Catalysis
- General Chemistry