Abstract
Aptamers are in vitro selected DNA or RNA molecules that are capable of binding a wide range of nucleic and non-nucleic acid molecules with high affinity and specificity. They have been conducted through the process known as SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment). It serves to reach specificity and considerable affinity to target molecules, including those of viral origin, both proteins and nucleic acids. Properties of aptamers allow detecting virus infected cells or viruses themselves and make them competitive to monoclonal antibodies. Specific aptamers can be used to interfere in each stage of the viral replication cycle and also inhibit its penetration into cells. Many current studies have reported possible application of aptamers as a treatment or diagnostic tool in viral infections, e.g., HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), H5N1 avian influenza and recently spread Ebola. This review presents current developments of using aptamers in the diagnostics and treatment of viral diseases.
Highlights
Aptamers are single strand nucleic acid molecules, consisting of DNA or RNA that bind to organic or nonorganic molecules—from single atoms to a wide range of proteins
Lee et al reported the construction of a biosensor utilizing the fluorescent dye (Cyanine3) RNA aptamer directed against HCV core antigen [43], while Chen et al obtained the aptamer that bound viral glycoprotein E2 [26]
Aptamers, from which aptamer 10 strongly bound HA1 subunit of dangerous strain H5N1 avian influenza virus. As it was demonstrated by MTT assay in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells culture, application of aptamer slowed down the progress of the infection
Summary
Aptamers are single strand nucleic acid molecules, consisted of DNA or RNA, which bind to organic or nonorganic molecules with high specificity and affinity. Aptamers are generated in the method referred to as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Properties of aptamers make them competitive to monoclonal antibodies used in conventional laboratory practice. The first pharmaceutical aptamer, Macugen (pegaptanib sodium) has been admitted by US. Agency for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Age-Related Macular
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