Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (Aug 2020)

Combination Therapy Using Inhalable GapmeR and Recombinant ACE2 for COVID-19

  • Navin Kumar Verma,
  • Navin Kumar Verma,
  • Mobashar Hussain Urf Turabe Fazil,
  • Shane P. Duggan,
  • Dermot Kelleher,
  • Dermot Kelleher

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2020.00197
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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Here we report our perspective on applying GapmeR technology in combination with recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. GapmeR is a cell-permeating antisense single-stranded DNA molecule that can be designed to specifically target intracellular severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Once internalized into host cells, such as lung alveolar cells, GapmeR molecules can bind to the viral RNA. This RNA/DNA hybrid will then be degraded by the RNase H enzyme abundantly present in the host cells. GapmeRs can be delivered to COVID-19 patients through inhalation or via nebulization. SARS-CoV-2-targeted GapmeR can also be given to frontline healthcare workers as a prophylactic protection. The recombinant ACE2 protein, the efficacy of which is being evaluated in clinical trials, will bind to the spike (S) glycoprotein of extracellular SARS-CoV-2 and potentially block viral infectivity. We propose that combining inhalable SARS-CoV-2-targeted GapmeRs with recombinant ACE2 could provide a viable and rapidly implementable more effective therapeutic approach for eradicating SARS-CoV-2 and save millions of lives.

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