Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025
09:26
Production of a SARS-CoV-2 Virus-Like-Particle System to Investigate Viral Life Cycles In Vitro
Published on: June 6, 2025
118
ACE2-Decorated Virus-Like Particles Effectively Block SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Canan Bayraktar1, Alisan Kayabolen1, Arda Odabas1
1Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
International Journal of Nanomedicine
|July 15, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed ACE2-coated virus-like particles (ACE2-VLPs) to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. These ACE2-VLPs effectively block viral entry and variants, showing promise for COVID-19 treatment.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Nanotechnology
- Immunology
Background:
- COVID-19 research focuses on blocking SARS-CoV-2 entry.
- Targeting the Spike protein-ACE2 receptor interaction is a key therapeutic strategy.
- Developing effective neutralization methods is crucial for combating SARS-CoV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop ACE2-coated virus-like particles (ACE2-VLPs).
- To evaluate the potential of ACE2-VLPs in preventing viral entry and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2.
- To assess the efficacy of ACE2-VLPs against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron BA.1.
Main Methods:
- Virus-like particles (VLPs) were engineered with ACE2 sequences.
- Purification of ACE2-VLPs and ACE2-extracellular vesicles (EVs) was performed using ultracentrifugation.
- Neutralization assays using pseudoviruses and live Omicron BA.1 variant in Vero E6 cells were conducted.
- VLP quantification and characterization utilized Nanosight 3000, TEM, and Western blot.
Main Results:
- ACE2-VLPs demonstrated high neutralization capacity at low doses.
- ACE2-VLPs showed superior in vitro efficacy compared to ACE2-EVs.
- ACE2-VLPs effectively blocked all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron BA.1.
- ACE2-VLPs exhibited stability under various environmental temperatures.
Conclusions:
- ACE2-VLPs are highly effective in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.
- This VLP-based approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
- The concept of receptor-coated VLPs can be applied to develop strategies for other viral diseases.
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