DNA Nanostructures With Neuraminic Acid for Influenza Neutralization
Solution Overview
Problem
Current antiviral drugs for influenza, such as neuraminidase inhibitors, face challenges with rapid viral evolution leading to resistance and unpleasant side effects, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Innovation Solution
DNA-based nanostructures with virus-binding moieties, such as neuraminic acid derivatives, are designed to encapsulate or neutralize influenza viruses and other pathogens, offering a broad spectrum of treatment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If neuraminidase inhibitors are used to treat influenza, then viral replication is inhibited, but viral resistance develops rapidly and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sialic acid-conjugated polymers as intermediary substances that block the viral hemagglutinin-receptor interaction. The sialic acid moieties act as decoy receptors, binding to the viral HA protein and preventing actual infection, while the polymer backbone provides the therapeutic vehicle. This intermediary approach avoids direct inhibition of neuraminidase, thereby preventing resistance development.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates artificial copies of the natural sialic acid receptor structure and presents them in high density on polymer surfaces. These copied receptor structures mimic the natural binding site, attracting and binding viral particles before they can infect cells. The copied structures are more stable and can be engineered to resist viral mutations that would otherwise confer drug resistance.
2Reliability
If neuraminidase inhibitors are used to treat influenza, then viral replication is inhibited, but unpleasant side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the therapeutic agent by using biocompatible polymer backbones (such as polyethylene glycol) conjugated to sialic acid. This parameter change in the drug structure improves pharmacokinetic properties, reduces immunogenicity, and minimizes side effects like nausea and vomiting while maintaining antiviral activity. The polymer modification allows for controlled release and reduced toxicity.
3Reliability
If sialic acid receptors are targeted to block viral entry, then viral infection is prevented, but specificity for different influenza strains must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs polymer structures with multiple sialic acid moieties that can bind to different influenza strain variants. The high density of sialic acid conjugates on the polymer provides universal binding capability across multiple influenza types by presenting numerous binding sites that can accommodate variations in viral hemagglutinin specificity. This multi-functional approach allows a single therapeutic agent to address diverse influenza strains.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The DNA-based nanostructures effectively bind and neutralize influenza viruses, providing a potential alternative to existing drugs with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
Implementation Method 1
the DNA-based nanostructure comprises at least a first plurality of virus-binding moieties, wherein each virus-binding moiety of the at least first plurality of virus-binding moiety is neuraminic acid or a derivative thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein is a DNA-based nanostructure at least a first plurality of virus-binding moieties, wherein each virus-binding moiety of the at least first plurality of virus-binding moiety is neuraminic acid or a derivative thereof. Also provided herein is a self-assembling DNA-based building block formed by a single-stranded DNA template strand and a set of oligonucleotides complementary to said single-stranded DNA template, wherein: each of the oligonucleotides is either complementary to one contiguous DNA sequence stretch or to at least two non-contiguous DNA sequence stretches on said single-stranded DNA template; and the self-assembling DNA-based building block comprises at least one first virus-binding moiety, wherein the first virus-binding moiety is neuraminic acid or a derivative thereof. Also provided herein is a DNA-based nanostructure wherein the DNA-based nanostructure comprises at least five self-assembling DNA-based building blocks; each of the self-assembling DNA-based building blocks is formed by a single-stranded DNA template strand and a set of oligonucleotides that are at least partially complementary to said single-stranded DNA template; and wherein each of the oligonucleotides is either complementary to one contiguous DNA sequence stretch or to at least two non-contiguous DNA sequence stretches on said single-stranded DNA template. Also provided herein are associated methods, uses, compositions, and kits.