Here we report our perspective on applying GapmeR technology in combination with recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. GapmeR is a cell-permeating antisense single-stranded DNA molecule that can be designed to specifically target intracellular severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Once internalized into host cells, such as lung alveolar cells, GapmeR molecules can bind to the viral RNA. This RNA/DNA hybrid will then be degraded by the RNase H enzyme abundantly present in the host cells. GapmeRs can be delivered to COVID-19 patients through inhalation or via nebulization. SARS-CoV-2-targeted GapmeR can also be given to frontline healthcare workers as a prophylactic protection. The recombinant ACE2 protein, the efficacy of which is being evaluated in clinical trials, will bind to the spike (S) glycoprotein of extracellular SARS-CoV-2 and potentially block viral infectivity. We propose that combining inhalable SARS-CoV-2-targeted GapmeRs with recombinant ACE2 could provide a viable and rapidly implementable more effective therapeutic approach for eradicating SARS-CoV-2 and save millions of lives.
【저자키워드】 therapy, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, gapmer, COVID-19 (2019-nCoV), nasal delivery, 【초록키워드】 Treatment, SARS-CoV-2, Efficacy, ACE2, coronavirus, clinical trials, Prophylactic, Protein, viral infectivity, cells, Viral RNA, glycoprotein, COVID-19 patients, Combination, RNase, Therapeutic approach, COVID-19 patient, host cells, acute respiratory syndrome, enzyme, Perspective, recombinant ACE2, single-stranded DNA, effective, Extracellular, evaluated, frontline healthcare worker, lung alveolar, 【제목키워드】 COVID-19, ACE2, recombinant,