Researchers based in Paris, France, have explored the potential use of zebrafish larvae as animal models for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). These larvae are small and cheap, so could prove a suitable medium for rapid mass testing of the disease.
In a recent bioRxiv preprint, the large team of researchers evaluated a SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor-binding domain ferritin nanoparticle protein vaccine (RFN) in a nonhuman primate challenge model. This study addresses the need for a next-generation, efficacious vaccine with an increased pan-SARS breadth of coverage.
Screening for SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 14 inhibitors
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome generates 16 distinct non-structural proteins (nsp) that constitute the enzymes and accessory proteins responsible for virus replication once inside a host cell. These protein complexes produce and cap RNA strands that will go on to be translated by the host machinery. Capping the RNA in a manner that is recognized as similar to endogenous mRNA ensures compatibility, lessens RNA degradation rates and lowers the probability of triggering an immune response in the host cell.
In a paper recently uploaded to the preprint server
et al. (April 8
th, 2021), inhibitors of one essential SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein are explored, with four compounds, in particular, identified as potential antiviral leads that exhibit synergistic effects with antiviral drug remdesivir.
The role and ancestry of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan shield
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein is a class I fusion glycoprotein responsible for interacting with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on the surface of human cells, enabling cell entry. It is the primary target of both natural and vaccine-acquired neutralizing antibodies.
The spike protein is coated in a thick glycan shield that plays a role in target site recognition, towards both the ACE2 receptor and neutralizing antibodies, and in conformational stability, modulating the state of the spike protein between closed and open forms and granting stability to the open prefusion form, which affords enhanced affinity towards the ACE2 receptor by presenting the receptor-binding domain.
Researchers unveil new SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor that targets viral immune evasion
In a recent quest for an effective antiviral compound, UK researchers have purified a specific enzyme of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) known as nsp15 and optimized fluorescent biochemical endoribonuclease assays to screen a custom chemical library with over 5,000 commercial compounds. The study is currently available on the
bioRxiv preprint server
.
SARS-CoV-2 is a causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a human disease that resulted in millions of deaths, burdened global health systems to near-breaking point, and imperiled economies of countries and families in an unprecedented fashion.
Although vaccination endeavors are well underway, not all countries can access them, and specific antiviral treatments to combat this disease are currently lacking. Remdesivir is the only antiviral drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19; however, its effectivene