Adsorption of Pulmonary and Exogeneous Surfactants on SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

Abstract

COVID-19 is transmitted by inhaling SARS-CoV-2 virions, which are enveloped by a lipid bilayer decorated by a “crown” of Spike protein protrusions. In the respiratory tract, virions interact with surfactant films composed of phospholipids and cholesterol that coat lung airways. Here, we explore by using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations the physico-chemical mechanisms of surfactant adsorption on Spike proteins. With examples of zwitterionic dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline, cholesterol, and anionic sodium dodecyl sulphate, we show that surfactants form micellar aggregates that selectively adhere to the specific regions of S1 domain of the Spike protein that are responsible for binding with ACE2 receptors and virus transmission into the cells. We find high cholesterol adsorption and preferential affinity of anionic surfactants to Arginine and Lysine residues within S1 receptor binding motif. These findings have important implications for informing the search for extraneous therapeutic surfactants for curing and preventing COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

Surfactant therapy using vibrating-mesh nebulizers in adults with COVID-19-induced ARDS: A case series

“… 11 – 13 Some of these studies have used jet-type nebulization, which is very ineffective owing to the use of air drags. 14 Nevertheless, other studies have demonstrated that the early use of postnatal nebulized surfactant may reduce the need for intubation in the first 3 days of life compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure alone. 15 …”