Title : Effective reduction of SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in transfected lung cells using a tailor-made therapeutic oligonucleotide
Abstract:
More than four years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still causing lasting damage around the world, impacting the health and lives of many. Preventive measures, such as widespread administration of vaccines, is playing a role in reducing the severity of cases. For those who require treatment, clinicians can try to treat the disease and its symptoms with existing drugs. However, an effective therapy specifically targeted against SARS-CoV-2 is still lacking. Here, we report the antiviral potential of a tailor-made oligonucleotide-based inhibitor targeting SARS-CoV-2, called ASC1R, which showed spontaneous cellular uptake and a remarkable >94% efficacy in reducing RdRp RNA levels in transfected lung cell lines following a single application. The therapeutic potential of the structurally unique ASC1R could translate into substantial clinical benefits for patients with COVID-19, while the versatility of the platform could be exploited in the development of analogue antivirals for other viral diseases. The findings could help meet the global challenge of developing new and safe treatment modalities.
