Aptamer Blocks the Invasion of The Influenza Virus Into Target Cells (Yeda)

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science describe a novel oligonucleotide, also known as an Aptamer, which has been designed to complement the receptor-binding region of the influenza haemagglutinin molecule. It was constructed by screening a DNA library and processing by the SELEX procedure. This DNA Aptamer comprises of a polynucleotide sequence that can bind to a polypeptide within the binding region of the influenza virus to the host cell. The proposed mode of action of this Aptamer is by blocking the binding of influenza virus to target cell receptors and consequently preventing the virus invasion into the host cells. Aptamer is capable of inhibiting the haemagglutinin capacity of the virus and the viral infectivity in vitro. Furthermore, it was shown in an animal model to inhibit viral infection by different influenza strains, as manifested by up to 99% reduction of virus burden in the lungs of treated mice.

The novel DNA Aptamer is a promising candidate for therapeutic as well as diagnostic uses: Therapeutic: A novel therapy for Influenza Diagnostics: Detection of Influenza infection in vertebrates such as avian, swine and human

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