Scientists have developed a new molecule that can attach to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and block it.
London:
Scientists have developed a new molecule that attaches to the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and prevents it from entering human cells and spreading the COVID-19 infection.
Researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark note that the molecule is cheaper and easier to manufacture than antibodies currently used to treat COVID-19 and to detect viral infections using rapid antigen tests, PTI news agency reported.
The molecule, described in the journal PNAS on Tuesday, belongs to a group of compounds known as RNA aptamers and is based on the same type of building blocks used for mRNA vaccines.
An aptamer is a piece of DNA or RNA of genetic material folded into a three-dimensional (3D) structure that can recognize a specific target molecule of interest.
By attaching itself to the surface of the virus, the RNA aptamer blocks the mutant protein that serves as the key to allowing the virus to enter cells, the researchers say.
They say RNA aptamer is not a new vaccine but a compound capable of stopping the virus from spreading in the body when someone is exposed to the virus.
The effective association with the SARS-CoV-2 virus also means that the aptamer can be used to test for COVID-19 infection, the researchers say.
“We have already begun testing the new aptamer in rapid tests, and we hope to be able to detect very low concentrations of the virus,” said lead author Jorgen Kjems, a professor at Aarhus University. .
Studies in cell culture showed that aptamer was active against earlier variants of the coronavirus that the researchers tested.
“Since we submitted the paper for peer review, we have continued to study it and have been able to demonstrate that it also recognizes the Delta variant,” noted Kjems.
“We are now waiting for samples of the new variant to be identified, Omicron, so we can check to see if aptamer recognizes that,” he said.
Due to its small size and chemical stability, the newly developed aptamer has potential as an alternative to antibodies and nanobodies that target the spike protein, the researchers add.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from an aggregated feed.)
