Virucidal nano-perforator of viral membrane trapping viral RNAs in the endosome

Nat Commun. 2019 Jan 14;10(1):185. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-08138-1.

Abstract

Membrane-disrupting agents that selectively target virus versus host membranes could potentially inhibit a broad-spectrum of enveloped viruses, but currently such antivirals are lacking. Here, we develop a nanodisc incorporated with a decoy virus receptor that inhibits virus infection. Mechanistically, nanodiscs carrying the viral receptor sialic acid bind to influenza virions and are co-endocytosed into host cells. At low pH in the endosome, the nanodiscs rupture the viral envelope, trapping viral RNAs inside the endolysosome for enzymatic decomposition. In contrast, liposomes containing a decoy receptor show weak antiviral activity due to the lack of membrane disruption. The nanodiscs inhibit influenza virus infection and reduce morbidity and mortality in a mouse model. Our results suggest a new class of antivirals applicable to other enveloped viruses that cause irreversible physical damage specifically to virus envelope by viruses' own fusion machine. In conclusion, the lipid nanostructure provides another dimension for antiviral activity of decoy molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bioengineering / methods
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane Permeability / drug effects*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dogs
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects*
  • Influenza A virus / physiology
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Influenza, Human / mortality
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Oseltamivir / therapeutic use
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Virion / drug effects
  • Virion / metabolism
  • Virus Internalization / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • RNA, Viral
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Viral Proteins
  • sialic acid receptor
  • Oseltamivir