Multivalent Flexible Nanogels Exhibit Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity by Blocking Virus Entry

Abstract

The entry process of viruses into host cells is complex and involves stable but transient multivalent interactions with different cell surface receptors. The initial contact of several viruses begins with attachment to heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans on the cell surface, which results in a cascade of events that end up with virus entry. The development of antiviral agents based on multivalent interactions to shield virus particles and block initial interactions with cellular receptors has attracted attention in antiviral research. Here, we designed nanogels with different degrees of flexibility based on dendritic polyglycerol sulfate to mimic cellular HS. The designed nanogels are nontoxic and broad-spectrum, can multivalently interact with viral glycoproteins, shield virus surfaces, and efficiently block infection. We also visualized virus-nanogel interactions as well as the uptake of nanogels by the cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis using confocal microscopy. As many human viruses attach to the cells through HS moieties, we introduce our flexible nanogels as robust inhibitors for these viruses.

Insights from nanotechnology in COVID-19 treatment

“…[ 61 ] Also, HSPG was incorporated into nanogels with various degrees of flexibility to help prevent virus entry. [ 62 ] Furthermore, MUS acid-modified cyclodextrins have also been the subject of broad-spectrum antiviral research,[ 63 ] as the modified MUS acid can mimic HSPG to generate a virucidal reaction.…”

High antiviral activity of mercaptoethane sulfonate functionalized Te/BSA nanostars against arterivirus and coronavirus

“…Hence, it is a novel strategy to construct antiviral nanomaterials by mimicking HS. [17][18][19] Inspired by this idea, mercaptoethane sulfonate (MES), an analogue of HS, was found to signicantly enhance the antiviral activity of various NPs. 17,20,21 Viruses and bacteria vary in shapes, ranging from sphere to lament.…”

The Inhibition of H1N1 influenza virus-induced apoptosis by functionalized Selenium nanoparticles with β-Thujaplicin through ROS-mediated P53 and AKT signaling pathways

“…As a segmented RNA virus, Influenza virus affects millions of people and is still a serious contagious pathogen in seasonal epidemics. 1,2 H1N1 influenza virus is a highly infections respiratory disease which belongs to influenza A type viruses. 3 H1N1 Influenza virus was discovered and identified in US and Mexico in 2009 which infected more than 8768 deaths in 207 countries.…”