Research: Experimental gum captures the coronavirus and inhibits transmission

A new study suggests that chewing gum containing high levels of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein can "capture" coronavirus particles, reduce the viral load in saliva, and potentially inhibit transmission, becoming a low-cost "weapon" against the epidemic. The study was conducted by a team led by the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, and the results were published in the journal Molecular Therapeutics.

ACE2 is present on the surface of certain cells in the human body. The new coronavirus spike protein (S protein) invades human cells by binding to the ACE2 protein. ACE2 protein supplementation has been shown to reduce viral load and restore normal respiratory function in patients with severe infection.

This time, the researchers used a patented plant-based production system in the laboratory to grow the ACE2 protein, which was used to produce a special gum that contains a copy of the ACE2 protein on the surface of the gum.

To test the effectiveness of chewing gum, the researchers took saliva samples from COVID-19 patients, mixed these samples with powder from gum, and compared them to a control group (saliva bound to gum that does not contain the ACE2 protein). They found that the amount of new coronavirus in the saliva of the experimental group was significantly reduced.

The researchers also demonstrated that the gum prevents pseudotypes of viruses ( a harmless virus with the new coronavirus spike protein on their surface ) from infecting cells in the lab. Just 5 mg of gum significantly reduces viral invasion of cells, while 50 mg of gum reduces viral load by more than 95%. This suggests that ACE2 gum greatly reduces the ability of the coronavirus spike protein to infect cells.

"The coronavirus replicates in the salivary glands, and when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks, some of these viruses can be excreted and transmitted to others." Henry Daniel of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry, who led the study, said, "This gum neutralizes viruses in saliva, providing us with a simple way to potentially reduce the spread of the disease." ”

Still, the researchers say that while the results are exciting, further research is needed before we can chew the gum. First of all, this experiment has not yet been tested in humans, the laboratory environment is different from the environment in the human mouth, will human body temperature and oral bacteria affect the effectiveness of chewing gum? How long does a piece of gum last? Second, the researchers used a pseudo-virus, not a complete coronavirus. In addition, it is unclear how effective this particular gum is as a preventive measure, especially when the new crown virus can be transmitted through multiple channels such as eyes, nose, mouth and so on.

At present, the research team is applying for clinical trial approval to evaluate whether the method is safe and effective for people infected with the new crown virus.

Source: Science and Technology Daily