Aptamer, Capable of Binding to Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2, Can Prevent Virus from Multiplying and Penetrating Cells

Aptamer proteins are protein molecules that act as receptor-modifying agents. These proteins are used in the development of drugs that target cancer cells, insulin molecules, and other molecules. These proteins have recently found their application in the field of biology. The study of these novel proteins has produced important and relevant results.

Aptamer molecules are either monomeric or multiple-protein complexes. These proteins that are single-protein complexes are termed single-domain aptamers and the ones that are multiple-protein complexes are termed multiple-domain aptamers. Aptamer molecules can act as receptors for multiple drugs or biological probes that include ribs, glycans and nucleic acids. These molecules also act as inhibitors for different biochemical pathways.

Aptamer proteins may act like nucleic acid modifiers (numbers) on viral infections. Infection involves entry of some foreign particles into the host cell. Some of the foreign particles that come in contact with the host cell initiate viral activity. Nucleic acid that is produced by the Nucleic acid methyltransferase (NAmber) during the activation of the viral transcript causes transcriptional activation. This results in the production of nucleotides and subsequent transcription in target cells.

Several studies have shown that aptamer molecules are able to activate transcription via interaction with nucleotid complexes. The binding affinity between these molecules and nucleic acid may also be influenced by amino acid residues. Aptamer proteins can form complex configurations with other molecules depending on their shape. Several reported experiments showed that aptamer molecules play a pivotal role in regulating multiple biological processes and may be responsible for the resistance against various cancers.

Recently, in June 2020, Berlin Cures Holding AG, a Germany-based biotech company, announced that the company is evaluating BC 007, a β1-adrenoceptor autoantibody neutralizing ssDNA product, for the treatment of COVID-19. BC 007 consists of an aptamer, which is able to bind to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and inhibit viral replication. This in turn prevents the virus from both penetrating the cell and multiplying in the cell.