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Published on: November 5, 2021
Potential therapeutic road for targeting the SARS-CoV-2 at throat
Introduction:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health problem for 183 out of 197 countries in the world. Understanding the routes and pathogenesis of the coronavirus is important and it is considered that the studies on host cell receptor Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) may be valuable for the treatment and prevention of the disease.
Aim:
To evaluate the possibility of inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 at throat.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
Conclusion:
In view of the fact that the mouth and nose have higher number of ACE2 expressed cells, they serve as a gateway for the virus to enter. Thus, blocking the gate could be a good choice to reduce or even prevent the transmission. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are double-stranded RNA molecules and could be designed easily and directed against many strains of a virus. Due to their features, siRNAs can provide a potential strategy to interfere with the replication of viral diseases. We think that since oral and nasal epithelial cells are relatively easily accessible it may allow to develop siRNA molecules to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 already at the entry where it continues to replicate for a period (Fig. 1, Ref. 50).
Insights
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) offer a potential strategy to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in the mouth and nose. Targeting these accessible entry points could reduce or prevent the transmission of the virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health crisis affecting 183 countries.
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes and pathogenesis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
- The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor plays a key role in viral entry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 within the throat.
- To investigate strategies for preventing viral entry at accessible mucosal surfaces.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was performed.
- Analysis of ACE2 expression in oral and nasal epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Mouth and nose exhibit higher ACE2 expression, serving as primary entry points for SARS-CoV-2.
- Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are effective in targeting viral replication.
Conclusions:
- Blocking viral entry at the oral and nasal gateway is a viable strategy to mitigate transmission.
- siRNA molecules can be developed to target SARS-CoV-2 in accessible oral and nasal epithelial cells, inhibiting replication at the entry site.
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