Aptamer-engaged nanotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 infection, has underscored the critical importance of rapid and accurate therapeutics. The neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 is paramount in controlling the spread and impact of COVID-19. In this context, the integration of aptamers and aptam...

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Main Authors: Jing Zhang, Dan Wang, Chiu Kwok, Liujun Xu, Michalina Famulok
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-04-01
Series:Discover Nano
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-025-04245-3
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author Jing Zhang
Dan Wang
Chiu Kwok
Liujun Xu
Michalina Famulok
author_facet Jing Zhang
Dan Wang
Chiu Kwok
Liujun Xu
Michalina Famulok
author_sort Jing Zhang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 infection, has underscored the critical importance of rapid and accurate therapeutics. The neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 is paramount in controlling the spread and impact of COVID-19. In this context, the integration of aptamers and aptamer-related nanotherapeutics presents a valuable and scientifically significant approach. Despite the potential, current reviews in this area are often not comprehensive and specific enough to encapsulate the full scope of therapeutic principles, strategies, advancements, and challenges. This review aims to fill that gap by providing an in-depth examination of the role of aptamers and their related molecular medicine in COVID-19 therapeutics. We first introduce the unique properties, selection, and recognition mechanism of aptamers to bind with high affinity to various targets. Next, we delve into the therapeutic potential of aptamers, focusing on their ability to inhibit viral entry and replication, as well as modulate the host immune response. The integration of aptamers with nucleic acid nanomedicine is explored. Finally, we address the challenges and future perspectives of aptamer and nucleic acid nanomedicine in COVID-19 therapeutics, including issues of stability, delivery, and manufacturing scalability. We conclude by underscoring the importance of continued research and development in this field to meet the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 and potential future pandemics. Our review will be a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the latest developments at the intersection of molecular biology, nanotechnology, and infectious disease management.
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spelling doaj-art-70cda882ccaa40d899a0d2d1885f30e32025-08-20T01:47:32ZengSpringerDiscover Nano2731-92292025-04-0120112210.1186/s11671-025-04245-3Aptamer-engaged nanotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2Jing Zhang0Dan Wang1Chiu Kwok2Liujun Xu3Michalina Famulok4Life Science and Chemistry College, Hunan University of TechnologyLife & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Pharmaceutical Institute, Universität BonnLife & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Pharmaceutical Institute, Universität BonnDepartment of Respiratory and Critical Care, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityLife & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Pharmaceutical Institute, Universität BonnAbstract The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 infection, has underscored the critical importance of rapid and accurate therapeutics. The neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 is paramount in controlling the spread and impact of COVID-19. In this context, the integration of aptamers and aptamer-related nanotherapeutics presents a valuable and scientifically significant approach. Despite the potential, current reviews in this area are often not comprehensive and specific enough to encapsulate the full scope of therapeutic principles, strategies, advancements, and challenges. This review aims to fill that gap by providing an in-depth examination of the role of aptamers and their related molecular medicine in COVID-19 therapeutics. We first introduce the unique properties, selection, and recognition mechanism of aptamers to bind with high affinity to various targets. Next, we delve into the therapeutic potential of aptamers, focusing on their ability to inhibit viral entry and replication, as well as modulate the host immune response. The integration of aptamers with nucleic acid nanomedicine is explored. Finally, we address the challenges and future perspectives of aptamer and nucleic acid nanomedicine in COVID-19 therapeutics, including issues of stability, delivery, and manufacturing scalability. We conclude by underscoring the importance of continued research and development in this field to meet the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 and potential future pandemics. Our review will be a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the latest developments at the intersection of molecular biology, nanotechnology, and infectious disease management.https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-025-04245-3AptamersSARS-CoV-2COVID-19NanotherapeuticsNeutralization
spellingShingle Jing Zhang
Dan Wang
Chiu Kwok
Liujun Xu
Michalina Famulok
Aptamer-engaged nanotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2
Discover Nano
Aptamers
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Nanotherapeutics
Neutralization
title Aptamer-engaged nanotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2
title_full Aptamer-engaged nanotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2
title_fullStr Aptamer-engaged nanotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2
title_full_unstemmed Aptamer-engaged nanotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2
title_short Aptamer-engaged nanotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2
title_sort aptamer engaged nanotherapeutics against sars cov 2
topic Aptamers
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Nanotherapeutics
Neutralization
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-025-04245-3
work_keys_str_mv AT jingzhang aptamerengagednanotherapeuticsagainstsarscov2
AT danwang aptamerengagednanotherapeuticsagainstsarscov2
AT chiukwok aptamerengagednanotherapeuticsagainstsarscov2
AT liujunxu aptamerengagednanotherapeuticsagainstsarscov2
AT michalinafamulok aptamerengagednanotherapeuticsagainstsarscov2