Novel Multifunctional Zn-MOF for Synergistic Inhibition of Coronaviruses

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biochemistry
• Virology

Background:

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial in cell signaling but cause oxidative stress in excess.
• Coronavirus infections increase intracellular ROS, impairing antioxidant defenses and aiding viral replication.
• High pathogenicity and cross-species transmission of coronaviruses necessitate novel antiviral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a new zinc-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) material.
• To evaluate the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of the synthesized material against coronaviruses.
• To elucidate the underlying antiviral mechanisms of the Zn-MOF.

Main Methods:

• Aqueous self-assembly technology was used to synthesize the Zn-MOF, NJAU1.
• Advanced analytical techniques were employed for material characterization.
• Antiviral activity was tested against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (TGEV), and Porcine Deltacoronavirus (PDCoV).

Main Results:

• NJAU1 exhibited broad-spectrum antiviral activity against PEDV, TGEV, and PDCoV.
• Mechanisms included direct viral inactivation, inhibition of viral entry and replication, and ROS scavenging.
• NJAU1 demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, modulating ferroptosis and apoptosis via Zn²⁺.

Conclusions:

• NJAU1 is a promising multifunctional antiviral material for coronavirus infections.
• The material offers a novel therapeutic approach by targeting viral replication and host cellular responses.
• This study presents a new strategy for developing advanced antiviral agents based on Zn-MOFs.