SARS-CoV-2 virus-like-particles via liposomal reconstitution of spike glycoproteins

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, implicated in the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizes and binds host cells using its spike glycoprotein through an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor-mediated pathway. Recent research suggests that spatial distributions of the spike protein may influence viral interacti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nanoscale advances 2023-08, Vol.5 (16), p.4167-4181
Main Authors: McColman, Sarah, Shkalla, Klaidi, Sidhu, Pavleen, Liang, Jady, Osman, Selena, Kovacs, Norbert, Bokhari, Zainab, Forjaz Marques, Ana Carolina, Li, Yuchong, Lin, Qiwen, Zhang, Haibo, Cramb, David T
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
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Summary:The SARS-CoV-2 virus, implicated in the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizes and binds host cells using its spike glycoprotein through an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor-mediated pathway. Recent research suggests that spatial distributions of the spike protein may influence viral interactions with target cells and immune systems. The goal of this study has been to develop a liposome-based virus-like particle (VLP) by reconstituting the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein within a synthetic nanoparticle membrane, aiming to eventually establish tunability in spike protein presentation on the nanoparticle surface. Here we report on first steps to this goal, wherein liposomal SARS-CoV-2 VLPs were successfully produced detergent mediated spike protein reconstitution. The resultant VLPs are shown to successfully co-localize with the ACE-2 receptor on lung epithelial cell surfaces, followed by internalization into these cells. These VLPs are the first step toward the overall goal of this research which is to form an understanding of the relationship between spike protein surface density and cell-level immune response, eventually toward creating better vaccines and anti-viral therapeutics.
ISSN:2516-0230
2516-0230
DOI:10.1039/d3na00190c