Macromolecular Viral Entry Inhibitors as Broad-Spectrum First-Line Antivirals with Activity against SARS-CoV-2

• Inhibitors of viral cell entry based on poly(styrene sulfonate) and its core–shell nanoformulations based on gold nanoparticles are investigated against a panel of viruses, including clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2. Macromolecular inhibitors are shown to exhibit the highly sought-after broad-spectrum antiviral activity, which covers most analyzed enveloped viruses and all of the variants of concern for SARS-CoV-2 tested. The inhibitory activity is quantified in vitro in appropriate cell culture models and for respiratory viral pathogens (respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2) in mice. Results of this study comprise a significant step along the translational path of macromolecular inhibitors of virus cell entry, specifically against enveloped respiratory viruses. 

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Cell- och molekylärbiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Cell and Molecular Biology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

broad-spectrum antivirals

entry inhibitors

in vivo

macromolecules

polyanions

respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

SARS-CoV-2

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)