Multivalent nanomedicines to treat COVID-19: A slow train coming

Abstract

The high transmission rate and serious consequences of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic make it challenging and urgent to identify viral pathogens and understand their intrinsic resistance mechanisms, to pave the way for new approaches to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Multivalent interactions are responsible for performing a broad range of biological functions in normal cells, such as cell-cell communication and adhesion. Multivalency underlies the reversibility of ligand-receptor interactions during infections. Previous studies into multivalent nanomedicines used against viruses, have revealed their ability, not only to probe the molecular processes of viral infections, but also to target pathogen-host cell binding with minimal collateral damage to normal cells. Nanomedicines are comparable in size to viruses and to cell receptor complexes (that mediate viral uptake), and can function as safe and accurate armoured vehicles to facilitate the transport of anti-viral drugs. Multivalent nanomedicines can be designed to avoid binding to extracellular serum proteins, and ultimately lead to destruction of the viruses. This brief perspective highlights the potential of innovative smart and safe multivalent nanomedicines that could target multiple viral factors involved in infections at cellular levels. For instance it is possible to target viral spike protein mediated entry pathways, as well as viral replication and cell lysis. Nanomedicine-based approaches could open new opportunities for anti-coronavirus therapies.

Novel Cationic Meso-Arylporphyrins and Their Antiviral Activity against HSV-1

“…The hydrophobic nature of the tetrapyrrole macrocycle limits the use of these compounds in biomedicine. An effective approach to overcome this problem is the use of molecular delivery vehicles, such as liposomes, inorganic nanoparticles and polymers [ 22 , 25 , 27 , 47 ]. In recent years, researchers have shown increased interest in polymer micelles based on Pluronics—amphiphilic triple block copolymers of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO), several of which, including Pluronic F-127, have been approved for clinical use by the FDA [ 47 ].…”

“…An effective approach to overcome this problem is the use of molecular delivery vehicles, such as liposomes, inorganic nanoparticles and polymers [ 22 , 25 , 27 , 47 ]. In recent years, researchers have shown increased interest in polymer micelles based on Pluronics—amphiphilic triple block copolymers of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO), several of which, including Pluronic F-127, have been approved for clinical use by the FDA [ 47 ]. Pluronics have found a broad application in PDT due to the ease of solution preparation, their nontoxicity, targeted delivery and the effective solubilization of hydrophobic tetrapyrroles.…”

Nanomedicine for the SARS-CoV-2: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects

“…Silver ions released from silver NPs bind to the viral RNA genome and activate mitochondrial interferon signaling pathways, activating mitochondrial proteins that may have an antiviral effect. 106 …”

New threatening of SARS-CoV-2 coinfection and strategies to fight the current pandemic

“…Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary area of engineering, chemistry, physics, and medicine. The application of nanotechnology in the field of medicine is referred to as nanomedicines [ 46 ]. Nanomedicines are defined as nanoscale tools or with the ability of early detection and prevention of diseases, direct the bioactive molecule to its target of action and monitor its release to ensure optimum concentration over the desired time frame.…”