Spherical Neutralizing Aptamer Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Suppresses Mutational Escape

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Bi-paratopic and multivalent VH domains block ACE2 binding and neutralize SARS-CoV-2

Colton J. Bracken et al.

Summary: This study presents a strategy to rapidly identify and assemble synthetic human VH domains for neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, which was proven to be effective through experimental validation.

NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Infectious Diseases

Early transmissibility assessment of the N501Y mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2 in the United Kingdom, October to November 2020

Kathy Leung et al.

Summary: Two new lineages of SARS-CoV-2 with the N501Y mutation in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein have spread rapidly in the United Kingdom. The 501Y lineage without amino acid deletion Delta 69/Delta 70 was estimated to be 10% more transmissible than the 501N lineage, while the 501Y lineage with amino acid deletion Delta 69/Delta 70 was estimated to be 75% more transmissible than the 501N lineage.

EUROSURVEILLANCE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

A DNA origami-based aptamer nanoarray for potent and reversible anticoagulation in hemodialysis

Shuai Zhao et al.

Summary: This study presents a promising nanoagent based on DNA origami technology that can effectively prevent thrombosis and exhibit enhanced anticoagulant effects in animal models.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Neutralizing Aptamers Block S/RBD-ACE2 Interactions and Prevent Host Cell Infection

Xiaohui Liu et al.

Summary: The receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is crucial for mediating virus entry into human cells, making it an ideal target for blocking infection. Using aptamers specifically targeting the S/RBD, researchers were able to effectively prevent virus binding to host cells and neutralize viral particles expressing the S protein, demonstrating a promising COVID-19 therapeutic strategy.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

A SARS-CoV-2 Spike Binding DNA Aptamer that Inhibits Pseudovirus Infection by an RBD-Independent Mechanism**

Anton Schmitz et al.

Summary: A specific aptamer that interacts with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been identified, showing potent and specific inhibition of pseudoviral infection despite not blocking the virus's interaction with ACE2. This study opens new avenues for developing inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlights the potential of aptamers as drug candidates and tools for unraveling previously inaccessible infection modalities.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Aptamer Blocking Strategy Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection

Miao Sun et al.

Summary: The research strategy focused on blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection through aptamer selection, identifying and applying the high-affinity aptamer CoV2-6, further engineered into the circular bivalent aptamer cb-CoV2-6C3 to enhance stability and inhibition efficacy.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2021)

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News Item Multidisciplinary Sciences

What's the risk of dying from a fast-spreading COVID-19 variant?

Smriti Mallapaty

Summary: Deaths linked to the B.1.1.7 variant are increasing, but there are still questions about what is causing them.

NATURE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

mRNA vaccine-elicited antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and circulating variants

Zijun Wang et al.

Summary: Volunteers who received the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine showed high levels of antibodies and memory B cell responses against SARS-CoV-2, with activity similar to individuals who had recovered from natural infection. However, their efficacy against specific SARS-CoV-2 variants was reduced, indicating a potential need for periodic updates to mRNA vaccines to maintain clinical efficacy.

NATURE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences