AsianScientist (May 19, 2016) – Researchers in Singapore have identified a macromolecule that could help prevent both deadly virus infections and viral drug resistance. The study, by IBM Research and Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), was published in Macromolecules.
“Viral diseases continue to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality,” said Dr. Yang Yi Yan, group leader at IBN. “We have created an anti-viral macromolecule that can tackle wily viruses by blocking the virus from infecting the cells, regardless of mutations. It is not toxic to healthy cells and is safe for use.”
As one of medicine’s largest challenges, viral infections often escape vaccines due to their natural ability to mutate rapidly and develop drug resistance easily. Many viruses, such as Zika, Ebola and dengue fever, have grown into major global health epidemics with great human and economic toll.
The study exploits supramolecular chemistry, or the study of large molecules designed with multiple features, to help combat viral infection.
The new macromolecule is composed of several specialized components that work in a triple-play. One component enables strong hydrogen bonds with electrostatic interactions to attract the proteins on the virus surface, disabling the virus’ ability to infect healthy cells.
Then, mannose (a type of sugar) components of the macromolecule bind directly to healthy immune cell receptors to help fight viral infection and allow the free flow of these naturally protective cells.
Finally, another component, known as basic amine groups, neutralize the pH inside the viral cell, making it inhospitable for replication.
Short-term applications could include an anti-viral wipe or detergent, which would require a small amount of the macromolecule dispersed in water to potentially neutralize an entire room infected with Ebola, for example. Longer-term applications may include the development of vaccinations that could help prevent a whole range of viral infections.
The article can be found at: Ichiyama et al. (2016) Cooperative Orthogonal Macromolecular Assemblies with Broad Spectrum Antiviral Activity, High Selectivity, and Resistance Mitigation.
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Source: A*STAR; Photo: @yb_woodstock/Flickr/CC.
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