Understanding and combating COVID-19 using the biology and chemistry of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from asymptomatic to severe, which could lead to fatality. Like other pathogenic viruses, the infection of SARS-CoV-2 relies on binding its spike glycoprotein to the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2). Molecular studies suggested that there is a high affinity between the spike glycoprotein and ACE 2 that might arise due to their hydrophobic interaction. This property is mainly responsible for making this virus highly infectious. Apart from this, the transmissibility of the virus, prolonged viability in certain circumstances, and rapid mutations also contributed to the current pandemic situation. Nanotechnology provides potential alternative solutions to combat COVID-19 with the development of i. nanomaterial-based COVID-19 detection technology, ii. nanomaterial-based disinfectants, iii. nanoparticle-based vaccines, and iv. nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Hence, this review provides diverse insight into understanding COVID-19.

COVID‐19: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment by Using Carbon Nanotubes‐Based Materials

“…The main protease (M PRO ), also a 3C‐like protease, plays a vital role in RNA virus replication and transcription [176] . RdRp and M PRO represent ideal antiviral targets since both proteases are critical for viral replication [175,176] . Although the efficiency and the efficacy of CNTs as an antiviral COVID‐19 treatment are still unclear, [177] theoretical and computational results have been promising for the interaction of CNTs and the SARS‐CoV‐2 RdRP and M PRO proteases [36,54,55,174] .…”

“…Pertinently, the RdRp is the critical component for the replication step and the virus's survivability. [175] As the active site of RdRp is the most conserved and accessible region, targeting this region could be a practical approach to hindering viral replication. The main protease (M PRO ), also a 3C-like protease, plays a vital role in RNA virus replication and transcription.…”

“…[176] RdRp and M PRO represent ideal antiviral targets since both proteases are critical for viral replication. [175,176] Although the efficiency and the efficacy of CNTs as an antiviral COVID-19 treatment are still unclear, [177] theoretical and computational results have been promising for the interaction of CNTs and the SARS-CoV-2 RdRP and M PRO proteases. [36,54,55,174] Molecular dynamic and molecule docking studies by Skariyachan et al [55] proved that CNTs were effective in multiple binding with targets of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including the papain-like protease.…”

“…Protease inhibition ( 3 ) and inhibition of viral RNA replicase ( 4 ) are two crucial steps in inhibiting viral replication. Pertinently, the RdRp is the critical component for the replication step and the virus's survivability [175] . As the active site of RdRp is the most conserved and accessible region, targeting this region could be a practical approach to hindering viral replication.…”

Real-world effect of casirivimab and imdevimab cocktail in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron variants

“…In particular, many treatments have been studied both as a measure to prevent the progression and to prevent deaths. Regarding the prevention of progression, three antivirals have been approved: molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir with a 3 days course [3,[18][19]. Further, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may be required for those who are not protected by vaccination [2,20].…”