Designer DNA architecture offers precise and multivalent spatial pattern-recognition for viral sensing and inhibition (2019) Kwon, Wang et al

JohnTheJack · Nov 26, 2019

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-019-0369-8

Abstract
DNA, when folded into nanostructures with a specific shape, is capable of spacing and arranging binding sites into a complex geometric pattern with nanometre precision. Here we demonstrate a designer DNA nanostructure that can act as a template to display multiple binding motifs with precise spatial pattern-recognition properties, and that this approach can confer exceptional sensing and potent viral inhibitory capabilities.

A star-shaped DNA architecture, carrying five molecular beacon-like motifs, was constructed to display ten dengue envelope protein domain III (ED3)-targeting aptamers into a two-dimensional pattern precisely matching the spatial arrangement of ED3 clusters on the dengue (DENV) viral surface. The resulting multivalent interactions provide high DENV-binding avidity.

We show that this structure is a potent viral inhibitor and that it can act as a sensor by including a fluorescent output to report binding. Our molecular-platform design strategy could be adapted to detect and combat other disease-causing pathogens by generating the requisite ligand patterns on customized DNA nanoarchitectures.
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I read about it here:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scientists-create-dna-trap-that-can-catch-viruses-k5fmk9tbf

Which states:

For this research, the scientists used DNA to make the scaffold for a structure that was a mirror image of the outside of the dengue virus, latching on to it as it passed. In this specific case, it was then designed to light up and fluoresce — meaning the trap became a highly sensitive test for presence of the virus. However, in theory such techniques could also be used therapeutically to halt disease. If a virus, for instance, has a structure attached to it then it cannot also attack cells.

If a cancer cell is enmeshed in a DNA net, it is a lot harder for it to proliferate. Xing Wang, from Illinois University, said that there would be a huge advantage in developing programmable nanostructures that attacked viruses. “For lots of viruses, there is little we can do and they are very hard to get rid of,” he said. “There’s no effective drug for dengue virus. Treatment is based on the human natural response through our immune systems. So you have to suffer first. That’s the major reasons we wanted to target it.”

His paper showed that as a test their approach outperformed the best systems on the market and required little in the way of specialist equipment. The general principles of the approach suggested that it was possible to go a lot further. “DNA is naturally made by organisms, and has very low toxicity,” he said. “This strategy can be used to target surface patterns throughout the biological world: viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancers. Looking at that is our next step.”
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Kitty · Nov 26, 2019

Very creative idea!

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Designer DNA architecture offers precise and multivalent spatial pattern-recognition for viral sensing and inhibition (2019) Kwon, Wang et al

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Designer DNA architecture offers precise and multivalent spatial pattern-recognition for viral sensing and inhibition (2019) Kwon, Wang et al

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