Emerging Microbes and Infections · Available online 3 Aug 2026 · In press · DOI 10.1080/22221751.2026.2706349
Jiyanuo Cao, Meng Wan, Jiayu Gu, Peiliang Wang, Yuan Gao, Libin Wei, Yongjian Guo, Lingzhi Zhao, Shu Xu
Although the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has subsided, viral persistence and variant evolution continue to challenge existing antiviral strategies. Here, we investigated an intranasal nanomedicine formulation comprising flap-endonuclease 1 (FEN1) and a panel of hairpin-structured DNA probes (hpDNAs), which we designed to concurrently target the highly conserved nucleocapsid RNA and host-derived Cathepsin L mRNA. This dual-targeting approach aims to interfere with both viral genetic integrity and the host-dependent entry pathway. Replacing conventional siRNA/sgRNA with stable, economical hpDNAs may improve the practicality of nucleic acid-based antivirals. Additionally, the co-administration of the anti-inflammatory agent baicalein was examined to assess its potential to improve the nanomedicine's cellular biodistribution. Our portable intranasal drop, a multi-target treatment co-administered with baicalein, elicited a partial reduction in the viral load in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that this multi-target strategy may offer an alternative antiviral modality for further development.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
Read the article at the publisher →
Cao, J., Wan, M., Gu, J., et al. (2026). Intranasal drop of multiplex RNA therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infections: baicalein-enhanced FEN1 nuclease cleaving as a virus buster. Emerging Microbes and Infections. https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2026.2706349