In vitro generated antibodies guide thermostable ADDomer nanoparticle design for nasal vaccination and passive immunization against SARS-CoV-2

A Reflection on the Use of Molecular Simulation to Respond to SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Threats

Molecular simulations play important roles in understanding the lifecycle of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and contribute to the design and development of antiviral agents and diagnostic tests for COVID. Here, we discuss the insights that such simulations have provided and the challenges involved, focusing on the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and the spike glycoprotein. Mpro is the leading target for antivirals, while the spike glycoprotein is the target for vaccine design. Finally, we reflect on lessons from this pandemic for the simulation community. Data sharing initiatives and collaborations across the international research community contributed to advancing knowledge and should be built on to help in future pandemics and other global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance.

ADDovenom: Thermostable Protein-Based ADDomer Nanoparticles as New Therapeutics for Snakebite Envenoming

Snakebite envenoming can be a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention to neutralise the effects of venom toxins. Each year up to 138,000 people die from snakebites and threefold more victims suffer life-altering disabilities. The current treatment of snakebite relies solely on antivenom-polyclonal antibodies isolated from the plasma of hyperimmunised animals-which is associated with numerous deficiencies. The ADDovenom project seeks to deliver a novel snakebite therapy, through the use of an innovative protein-based scaffold as a next-generation antivenom. The ADDomer is a megadalton-sized, thermostable synthetic nanoparticle derived from the adenovirus penton base protein; it has 60 high-avidity binding sites to neutralise venom toxins. Here, we outline our experimental strategies to achieve this goal using state-of-the-art protein engineering, expression technology and mass spectrometry, as well as in vitro and in vivo venom neutralisation assays. We anticipate that the approaches described here will produce antivenom with unparalleled efficacy, safety and affordability.