Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a key helical motif in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that is responsible for suppressing α7nAChR expression on cell surface and consequently linking to many of the symptoms of long COVID.
Description
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S12) plays a crucial role in the ability of the virus to infect host cells but can also disrupt cellular functions. A helical motif in S12 has been found to interact with the chaperones of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and suppress the cell surface expression of this receptor. A modified polynucleotide based on this helical motif has been developed to eliminate or minimize the suppressive effects of S12 on α7nAChR.
Applications
• Treatment for long COVID
• Development of safer vaccines for COVID-19
Advantages
A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients experience long term effects from the infection. Symptoms include impaired cognitive function and mental health, anti-inflammatory deficiency, and immune system failure, all of which significantly impact quality of life. Given the recent nature of post-infection symptoms, treatment options are still unknown and remain an unmet need globally.
Studies have identified the spike protein S12 as a potential cause of some of the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 and is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of long COVID through its suppression of α7nAChR expression and functionality. α7nAChR is widely expressed in the human body in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells, and is also expressed in immune cells, explaining the wide range of symptoms experienced by long COVID patients. This approach has identified a mutated polynucleotide based on a motif found in S12 to minimize and eliminate the impacts of S12 on α7nAChR potentially reducing the burden of long COVID.
Invention Readiness
In vitro analysis has shown that a modified polypeptide in the S12 spike protein of SARS- CoV-2 can significantly reduce the impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the body.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240100152A1
