The Potential of Algal Biotechnology to Produce Antiviral Compounds and Biopharmaceuticals.
Molecules
; 25(18)2020 Sep 04.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-750656
ABSTRACT
The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an unprecedented pandemic, which demands urgent development of antiviral drugs and antibodies; as well as prophylactic approaches, namely vaccines. Algae biotechnology has much to offer in this scenario given the diversity of such organisms, which are a valuable source of antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that can also be used to produce vaccines and antibodies. Antivirals with possible activity against SARS-CoV-2 are summarized, based on previously reported activity against Coronaviruses or other enveloped or respiratory viruses. Moreover, the potential of algae-derived anti-inflammatory compounds to treat severe cases of COVID-19 is contemplated. The scenario of producing biopharmaceuticals in recombinant algae is presented and the cases of algae-made vaccines targeting viral diseases is highlighted as valuable references for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Successful cases in the production of functional antibodies are described. Perspectives on how specific algae species and genetic engineering techniques can be applied for the production of anti-viral compounds antibodies and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are provided.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Antiviral Agents
/
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Polysaccharides
/
Biological Products
/
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Polyphenols
/
Lectins
Type of study:
Observational study
Topics:
Vaccines
Language:
English
Journal subject:
Biology
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Molecules25184049
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS