In Silico Design of miniACE2 Decoys with In Vitro Enhanced Neutralization Activity against SARS-CoV-2, Encompassing Omicron Subvariants.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed healthcare systems and triggered global economic downturns. While vaccines have reduced the lethality rate of SARS-CoV-2 to 0.9% as of October 2024, the continuous evolution of variants remains a significant public health challenge. Next-generation medical therapies offer hope in addressing this threat, especially for immunocompromised individuals who experience prolonged infections and severe illnesses, contributing to viral evolution. These cases increase the risk of new variants emerging. This study explores miniACE2 decoys as a novel strategy to counteract SARS-CoV-2 variants. Using in silico design and molecular dynamics, blocking proteins (BPs) were developed with stronger binding affinity for the receptor-binding domain of multiple variants than

SUBMITTER: Arevalo-Romero JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11476394 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature