DNA aptamer against EV-A71 VP1 protein: selection and application

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is a significant pathogen linked to hand, foot, and mouth disease and severe neurological conditions.
• Early detection and treatment of EV-A71 are crucial due to its infectious nature.
• Aptamers, selected via SELEX, offer high specificity and affinity for targets, with advantages over antibodies in synthesis, cost, and modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel aptamers for the detection and treatment of Enterovirus 71.
• To create an aptamer-based biosensor for rapid EV-A71 detection.
• To evaluate the antiviral efficacy of selected aptamers against EV-A71.

Main Methods:

• Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) was used to screen aptamers.
• Selected aptamers were characterized for specificity, affinity, and secondary structure.
• An aptamer-based chemiluminescence biosensor was developed for EV-A71 detection.
• Antiviral effects were assessed by evaluating cytopathogenic effects, intracellular viral RNA, and protein expression.

Main Results:

• Three DNA aptamers with high specificity and affinity for EV-A71 structural protein VP1 were identified.
• A rapid chemiluminescence aptamer biosensor for EV-A71 detection was successfully designed.
• The selected aptamers demonstrated inhibition of EV-A71 RNA replication and protein expression in RD cells.
• The aptamers effectively ameliorated EV-A71-induced cytopathogenic effects.

Conclusions:

• The developed aptamers show significant potential for both the detection and therapeutic intervention of EV-A71 infections.
• These aptamers represent promising candidates for future applications in diagnostics and antiviral therapies against EV-A71.