Nanotraps for the containment and clearance of SARS-CoV-2

April 22, 2021

Min Chen 1, Jillian Rosenberg 2, Xiaolei Cai 1, Andy Chao Hsuan Lee 3, Jiuyun Shi 4, Mindy Nguyen 5, Thirushan Wignakumar 3, Vikranth Mirle 3, Arianna Joy Edobor 3, John Fung 3, Jessica Scott Donington 3, Kumaran Shanmugarajah 3, Yiliang Lin 4, Eugene Chang 6, Glenn Randall 7, Pablo Penaloza-MacMaster 8, Bozhi Tian 4, Maria Lucia Madariaga 3, Jun Huang

Matter

Chen et al. developed a “Nanotrap'' nanoparticle that could reduce infection by enhancing the clearance of SARS-CoV-2 viruses before they could infect cells. Polylactic acid and liposome-based particles were co-functionalization with 1) recombinant ACE2 proteins (the receptor target of SARS-Cov-2) or anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies to sequester viruses and 2) phosphatidylserine ligands to enhance phagocytosis by macrophages. The particles demonstrated the ability to bind pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 virus, be cleared by macrophages, and the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE-2 receptors sites of host cells to reduce the extent of infection. Additionally, in living human lungs in an ex vivo lung perfusion system, the Nanotraps entirely inhibited psuedotyped SARS-CoV-2 infection. Storing the nanoparticles effectively at -20°C for six months demonstrated no damage for surface integrity and promise excellent stability over time. For these reasons, the team has demonstrated a great potential for clinical application.

Chen M, Rosenberg J, Cai X, et al. 2021. Nanotraps for the containment and clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Matter (2021) 4:1-24.

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