Cellular Nanoparticles Treat Coronavirus Infection in Vivo

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Virology

Background:

• Cellular nanoparticles (CNPs) show potential for neutralizing pathogens.
• Macrophages play a key role in viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate CNPs as a medical countermeasure against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
• To investigate the efficacy of macrophage-derived nanoparticles (MΦ-NPs) in an animal model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MΦ-NPs using polymeric cores and human macrophage membranes.
• In vitro assessment of MΦ-NP binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.
• In vivo evaluation of MΦ-NPs in SARS-CoV-2 variant-infected hamsters.

Main Results:

• MΦ-NPs demonstrated dose-dependent binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.
• MΦ-NPs inhibited the infectivity of live SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro.
• MΦ-NPs significantly reduced viral burden in the lungs of infected hamsters.
• MΦ-NPs were primarily taken up by alveolar macrophages with no observed adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• MΦ-NPs effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variant infectivity in vivo.
• MΦ-NPs act as host cell decoys, blocking viral entry.
• MΦ-NPs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for combating emerging viral threats.