Study of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 envelope and host cell membrane using mimetic models

• Grant number: 23/13811-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Luciano Caseli
• Grantee: Kevin Figueiredo dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/19172-0 - Study of SARS-CoV-2 envelope adsorption on host cell membranes using mimetic models, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

The interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 envelope and host cell membrane is central to viral infection. One strategy to investigate this interaction involves using models that partially replicate these structures, enabling the extraction of difficult molecular information about the natural system. This project aims to employ liposomes (large unilamellar vesicles, LUVs) to mimic the SARS-CoV-2 envelope and Langmuir films to replicate the host cell membrane. We will then analyze the interaction between these models, exploring potential correlations with the natural biological phenomenon. To prepare the mimetic models, we will use the major lipid components of the viral envelope and plasma membrane, including lipid rafts. Additionally, we will incorporate the main proteins related to virus binding and internalization in host cells. Thus, we will investigate the incorporation of the Spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 and its receptor-binding domain (RBD) into liposomes, as well as the adsorption of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) into Langmuir monolayers. The interaction between liposomes and Langmuir films will be evaluated through tensiometric, microscopic, rheological and spectroscopic measurements. The results may contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the host cell membrane, which is important for developing vaccines, medications, and diagnostic tests for combating COVID-19. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DOS SANTOS, ANA GABRIELI A.; CASSAS, FERNANDO; DOS SANTOS, KEVIN FIGUEIREDO; DE MEDEIROS, LIVIA SOMAN; VEIGA, THIAGO ANDRE MOURA; CASELI, LUCIANO. Interaction of Myrsinoic acid a with biomembrane models: Differential effects on DPPC and DPPS properties revealed by surface rheology and vibrational spectroscopy. Biophysical Chemistry, v. 322, p. 8-pg., 2025-07-01. (22/03736-7, 18/04095-0, 18/22214-6, 23/13811-9)