ACE2-Decorated Virus-Like Particles Effectively Block SARS-CoV-2 Infection

• DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s446093
• Publication Date: 2024-07-10T05:00:23Z
• Authors: Canan Bayraktar; Alisan Kayabolen; Arda Odabas; Aysegul Durgun; Ipek Kok; Kenan Sevinc; Aroon Supramaniam; Adi Idris; Tugba Bagci-Onder
• Keywords: Sars virus; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Coronavirus Infections

Purpose: Over the past three years, extensive research has been dedicated to understanding and combating COVID-19. Targeting interaction between SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein ACE2 receptor emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed develop ACE2-coated virus-like particles (ACE2-VLPs), which can be utilized prevent viral entry into host cells efficiently neutralize virus. Methods: Virus-like were generated through utilization of packaging plasmid in conjunction with containing envelope sequence. Subsequently, ACE2-VLPs ACE2-EVs purified via ultracentrifugation. The quantification VLPs was validated multiple methods, including Nanosight 3000, TEM imaging, Western blot analysis. Various systems explored optimize ACE2-VLP configuration for enhanced neutralization capabilities. evaluation effectiveness conducted using pseudoviruses bearing different spike variants. Furthermore, assessed potential Omicron BA.1 variant Vero E6 cells. Results: showed high capacity even at low doses demonstrated superior efficacy vitro pseudoviral assays compared extracellular vesicles carrying ACE2. remained stable under various environmental temperatures effectively blocked all tested variants concern vitro. Notably, they exhibited significant Given their proven success live virus, stand out crucial candidates treating infections. Conclusion: novel approach coating provides proof-of-concept designing effective strategies other diseases future. Keywords: ACE2, virus like particles, SARS-CoV-2, neutralization, VLP, escape mutations,