Current Affairs

Issue

Nanoparticles that mimic SARS-CoV-2 were used by researchers to immunize mice against the viral disease.

 

Details

• Researchers made use of receptor binding domain (RBD) antigen to generate an anti-body response in the mice.

• Nanoparticles were made similar to SARS CoV-2 and were implanted with many RBDs. They were then injected into mice.

• Along with this decorated nanoparticles, researchers inserted separate nanoparticles containing adjuvant in form of separate doses.

• Another group of mice were immunized with the help of RBD encapsulated polymersomes to compare with the nanoparticles.

• High levels of RBD specific antibodies were generated in the bodies of the mice but neutralizing antibodies were produced in mice given surface decorated nanoparticles.

 

RBD

• Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) can be considered as a critical part of viral protein that makes contact with the cell and allows entry of viral DNA inside.

• The RBD is located near the spike protein and is the primary target of drugs trying to prevent the virus from infecting healthy cells.

 

Nanoparticles

• Nanoparticles are types of matter that ranges between the size of 1 to 100 nanometers. These particles have unique physical and chemical characteristics that are not visible to naked eye.

• Due to their precision and non-corrosive nature, nanoparticles are particularly used in medical science, food packaging and electronics technology.