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Review
. 2021 Jan 15;14(3):209-221.
doi: 10.1007/s12195-020-00664-7. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Engineered Aptamers for Enhanced COVID-19 Theranostics

Caleb Acquah  1 , Jaison Jeevanandam  2 , Kei Xian Tan  3 , Michael K Danquah  4
Affiliations
Review

Engineered Aptamers for Enhanced COVID-19 Theranostics

Caleb Acquah et al. Cell Mol Bioeng. .

Abstract

Introduction: The 2019-novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an intractable global health challenge resulting in an aberrant rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The mode of entry for SARS-CoV-2 into host cells occurs through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. As part of the efforts to mitigate COVID-19 infections, rapid and accurate detection methods, as well as smart vaccine and drug designs with SARS-CoV-2 targeting capabilities are critically needed. This systematic review aimed to present a good mapping between the structural and functional characteristics of aptamers and their potential applications in COVID-19 theranostics.

Methods: In this study, extensive discussions into the potential development of aptameric systems as robust theranostics for rapid mitigation of the virulent SARS-CoV-2 was made. Information required for this study were extracted from a systematic review of literature in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and other official related reports from reputable organisations.

Results: The global burden of COVID-19 pandemic was discussed including the progress in rapid detection, repurposing of existing antiviral drugs, and development of prophylactic vaccines. Aptamers have highly specific and stable target binding characteristics which can be generated and engineered with less complexity for COVID-19 targeted theranostic applications.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need to develop safe innovative biomedical technologies to mitigate the dire impact of COVID-19 on public health worldwide. Research advances into aptameric systems bode well with the fact that they can be engineered for the development of effective and affordable diagnostics, therapeutics and prophylactic vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious pathogens.

Keywords: Aptamers; COVID-19; Coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; Theranostics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestAuthors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic description of Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology in the generation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 aptamers.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Structure of SARS-CoV-2 illustrating the various structural proteins (S, M, E and N). (b) Stages of SARS-CoV-2 replication in host cells. The S proteins of SARS-CoV-2 enable attachment to host ACE2 receptors. The M proteins are essential in shaping of the virions, influencing membrane curvature, and attachment to the nucleocapsid. The E protein is responsible for virus assembly and release, as well as pathogenesis. The N proteins are repressors of RNA interference and antagonist of interferon. The N proteins attaches to nsp3 proteins to connect the genome to the replication‐transcription complex. They also transform the encapsidated genome into virions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pictorial illustration of window period for efficient detection of viral RNA using RT-PCR and antibodies using serological assays. Figure adapted from Lee et al.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Proposed mechanism of action of aptamer-based virus and protein vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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