Aptamer Applications in Emerging Viral Diseases

Author(s)

Kruger, Arne ^[1] ; de Jesus Santos, Ana Paula ^[2] ; de Sa, Vanessa ^[2] ; Ulrich, Henning ^[2] ; Wrenger, Carsten ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Parasitol, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Chem, Dept Biochem, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: PHARMACEUTICALS; v. 14, n. 7 JUL 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules which are submitted to a process denominated SELEX. SELEX uses reiterative screening of a random oligonucleotide library to identify high-affinity binders to a chosen target, which may be a peptide, protein, or entire cells or viral particles. Aptamers can rival antibodies in target recognition, and benefit from their non-proteic nature, ease of modification, increased stability, and pharmacokinetic properties. This turns them into ideal candidates for diagnostic as well as therapeutic applications. Here, we review the recent accomplishments in the development of aptamers targeting emerging viral diseases, with emphasis on recent findings of aptamers binding to coronaviruses. We focus on aptamer development for diagnosis, including biosensors, in addition to aptamer modifications for stabilization in body fluids and tissue penetration. Such aptamers are aimed at in vivo diagnosis and treatment, such as quantification of viral load and blocking host cell invasion, virus assembly, or replication, respectively. Although there are currently no in vivo applications of aptamers in combating viral diseases, such strategies are promising for therapy development in the future. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/07366-4 - Purine and kinin receptors as targets of study and therapeutic interventions in neurological diseases
• Grantee: Alexander Henning Ulrich
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/26722-8 - Drug discovery against human infectious diseases
• Grantee: Carsten Wrenger
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/03966-4 - Targeting lipoic acid salvage and biosynthesis pathways in MRSA
• Grantee: Carsten Wrenger
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/26642-4 - Detection of hyaluronan and mutations in sputum liquid biopsy as screening in patient with lung cancer
• Grantee: Vanessa Karen de Sá
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants