Anti-infective nanodisc

Abstract

Influenza virus, a significant public health concern, continuously mutates, leading to challenges in vaccine and antiviral drug development. While clinical antiviral drugs primarily target specific viral proteins, nanodiscs have emerged as a novel therapeutic approach. Nanodiscs, composed of phospholipid bilayers and amphipathic proteins, mimic cell membranes, providing a controlled, biologically relevant environment for the study of membrane proteins. Their ability to disrupt viral infection in several ways has been studied. By incorporating nanodiscs containing host cell receptors, they can perforate the viral envelope, rendering the virus unable to replicate. Another inhibitory mechanism involves nanodiscs with antibodies, blocking their viral receptors. Nanodiscs offer advantages including improved stability, specific targeting, and broad biocompatibility. Nanodiscs represent a promising avenue for combating influenza and other enveloped viral infections.