SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNAs as Unique Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
Abstract
The research proposed in this application addresses the following FY20 PRMRP Topic Area: Emerging Viral Diseases. Novel viruses (in particular, RNA viruses) present a serious threat to global public health and disease control. In the context of the current pandemic, efforts to monitor and mitigate the spread of disease are hampered by limited availability of tests, cumbersome testing technologies, and extended hospital stays for COVID-19 patients. When a Service member or a member of a Service member’s family is diagnosed with or is in treatment for COVID-19, it affects the Service member, the Service member’s primary support network, and the Service member’s unit. Prolonged hospital stays for intensive treatment or its complications and the need to travel to seek specialized care and experimental treatments following relapse can disrupt service time, and requests for transfer, exceptional status, or separation can compromise mission readiness. Viral outbreaks in military bases, stations, schools, vessels, and aircraft can represent significant disruption to normal operations, making novel rapid testing and mitigation approaches particularly important in military contexts. We focus on the role of a family of small non-protein coding RNAs that act as regulators of gene expression in cells. Viral miRNAs (v-miRNAs) are known to play significant roles in the replication and propagation of viruses through both promotion of viral lifecycle and suppression of host antiviral response. Unique v-miRNAs present novel opportunities for targeted therapeutics. The proposed approach to treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection represents a strategy by which disease progression may be stopped or reversed (thus reducing severity and/or duration), thereby improving general patient outcomes, reducing short- and long-term burdens on patients and families, and minimizing the impact on mission readiness. Successful completion of the proposed work will delineate the role of miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection and will lay the groundwork for further preclinical evaluation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110103
Entities
People
- Alexander Pertsemlidis
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio