Antiviral activity of an ACE2-Fc fusion protein against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants
2025

ACE2-Fc Fusion Protein Against SARS-CoV-2

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bermúdez-Abreut Ernesto, Fundora-Barrios Talia, Hernández Fernández Diana Rosa, Noa Romero Enrique, Fraga-Quintero Anitza, Casadesús Pazos Ana V., Fernández-Marrero Briandy, Plasencia Iglesias Claudia A., Clavel Pérez Marilyn, Sosa Aguiar Katya, Sánchez-Ramírez Belinda, Hernández Tays

Primary Institution: Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana, Cuba

Hypothesis

Can an ACE2 silent Fc fusion protein effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and its variants?

Conclusion

The ACE2-hFcLALA fusion protein shows potential as a therapeutic and preventive treatment against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

Supporting Evidence

  • The ACE2-hFcLALA fusion protein effectively blocked the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to its receptor.
  • It neutralized various SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro.
  • The fusion protein showed a higher efficacy against newer variants compared to the D614G strain.

Takeaway

Scientists created a special protein that can stop the COVID-19 virus from entering cells, which could help protect people from getting sick.

Methodology

The study involved creating an ACE2-hFcLALA fusion protein and testing its ability to block SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell cultures.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on in vitro results, which may not fully translate to in vivo effectiveness.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0312402

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