DNA aptamers inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein binding to hACE2 by an RBD- independent or dependent approach.

ABSTRACT: Objective: Nobody knows when the COVID-19 pandemic will end or when and where the next coronavirus will outbreak. Therefore, it is still necessary to develop SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors for different variants or even the new coronavirus. Since SARS-CoV-2 uses its surface spike-protein to recognize hACE2, mediating its entry into cells, ligands that can specifically recognize the spike-protein have the potential to prevent infection. Methods: We have recently discovered DNA aptamers against the S2-domain of the WT spike-protein by exploiting the selection process called SELEX. After optimization, among all candidates, the aptamer S2A2C1 has the shortest sequence and the best binding affinity toward the S2-protein. More importantly, the S2A2C1 aptamer does not bind to the RBD of the

SUBMITTER: Silwal AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9330529 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature