Fluorescent quantum dots enable SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug discovery and development

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly infectious and deadly coronavirus whose study requires the use of a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) containment facility to investigate viral biology and pathogenesis, which limits the study of live virus and slows progress toward finding suitable treatments for infection. While vaccines from several companies have proven very effective in combating the virus, few treatments exist for those who do succumb to the viral-induced systemic disease called COVID-19.

This short review focuses on fluorescent quantum dot-based modeling of SARS-CoV-2. New BSL-2 viral models are essential for finding small molecules and biologics that may be effective in stopping viral infection, as well as treating already infected individuals. Nanoparticles are invaluable tools for biological research as they can be used to both model pathogens and serve as a platform for developing vaccines.

Visualizing viral activity with fluorescent quantum dots enables both biochemical and cell-based assays to detect virus-host receptor interactions, cellular activity after binding to the cell plasma membrane, screening for interventions using small-molecule drug repurposing, and testing of novel biologics. Quantum dots can also be used for diagnostic assays, vaccine development, and importantly, pan-antiviral drugs to address variants that may escape the immune response.