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A "Plug-And-Display" Nanoparticle Vaccine Platform Based on Outer Membrane Vesicles Displaying SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain
Published on: July 25, 2022
Unleashing the potential of cell membrane-based nanoparticles for COVID-19 treatment and vaccination
Miguel Pereira-Silva1,2, Gaurav Chauhan3, Matthew D Shin4
1Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
Abstract:
Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a particular coronavirus strain responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), accounting for more than 3.1 million deaths worldwide. Several health-related strategies have been successfully developed to contain the rapidly-spreading virus across the globe, toward reduction of both disease burden and infection rates. Particularly, attention has been focused on either the development of novel drugs and vaccines, or by adapting already-existing drugs for COVID-19 treatment, mobilizing huge efforts to block disease progression and to overcome the shortage of effective measures available at this point.Areas covered: This perspective covers the breakthrough of multifunctional biomimetic cell membrane-based nanoparticles as next-generation nanosystems for cutting-edge COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccination, specifically cell membrane-derived nanovesicles and cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, both tailorable cell membrane-based nanosystems enriched with the surface repertoire of native cell membranes, toward maximized biointerfacing, immune evasion, cell targeting and cell-mimicking properties.Expert opinion: Nano-based approaches have received widespread interest regarding enhanced antigen delivery, prolonged blood circulation half-life and controlled release of drugs. Cell membrane-based nanoparticles comprise interesting antiviral multifunctional nanoplatforms for blocking SARS-CoV-2 binding to host cells, reducing inflammation through cytokine neutralization and improving drug delivery toward COVID-19 treatment.
Insights
Biomimetic nanoparticles offer advanced COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. These cell membrane-based nanosystems enhance drug delivery and immune response, providing new therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a global health crisis with millions of deaths.
- Existing strategies focus on drug and vaccine development, but effective treatments remain limited.
- Novel therapeutic approaches are crucial to combat the ongoing pandemic and reduce disease burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore multifunctional biomimetic cell membrane-based nanoparticles for COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccination.
- To highlight cell membrane-derived nanovesicles and cell membrane-coated nanoparticles as next-generation nanosystems.
- To emphasize the potential of these nanosystems in enhancing biointerfacing, immune evasion, and cell targeting.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on cell membrane-based nanoparticles for antiviral applications.
- Analysis of the properties of cell membrane-derived nanovesicles and cell membrane-coated nanoparticles.
- Discussion of the integration of native cell membrane components into nanoparticle design.
Main Results:
- Cell membrane-based nanoparticles demonstrate enhanced antigen delivery and prolonged circulation.
- These nanoplatforms can block SARS-CoV-2 binding to host cells and neutralize cytokines.
- Tailorable nanosystems offer improved drug delivery for COVID-19 treatment.
Conclusions:
- Biomimetic cell membrane-based nanoparticles represent a promising frontier for innovative COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines.
- These advanced nanosystems offer multifunctional advantages for combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Further development of these nanoplatforms could significantly impact pandemic control and patient outcomes.
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