Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by a ssDNA aptamer targeting the nucleocapsid protein.

ABSTRACT: The nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays significant roles in viral assembly, immune evasion, and viral stability. Due to its immunogenicity, high expression levels during COVID-19, and conservation across viral strains, it represents an attractive target for antiviral treatment. In this study, we identified and characterized a single-stranded DNA aptamer, N-Apt17, which effectively disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated by the N protein. To enhance the aptamer's stability, a circular bivalent form, cb-N-Apt17, was designed and evaluated. Our findings demonstrated that cb-N-Apt17 exhibited improved stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior inhibition of N protein LLPS; thus, it has the potential inhibition ability on viral replication. These results provid

SUBMITTER: Huang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10986557 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature