Topology‐Matching Design of an Influenza‐Neutralizing Spiky Nanoparticle‐Based Inhibitor with a Dual Mode of Action

In this study, we demonstrate the concept of “topology‐matching design” for virus inhibitors. With the current knowledge of influenza A virus (IAV), we designed a nanoparticle‐based inhibitor (nano‐inhibitor) that has a matched nanotopology to IAV virions and shows heteromultivalent inhibitory effects on hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. The synthesized nano‐inhibitor can neutralize the viral particle extracellularly and block its attachment and entry to the host cells. The virus replication was significantly reduced by 6 orders of magnitude in the presence of the reverse designed nano‐inhibitors. Even when used 24 hours after the infection, more than 99.999 % inhibition is still achieved, which indicates such a nano‐inhibitor might be a potent antiviral for the treatment of influenza infection. Influenza meets its match: Based on the principle of topology matching, a potent nanoparticle‐based inhibitor for influenza A was designed that shows heteromultivalent inhibition of the receptor‐binding viral proteins. This inhibitor is capable of neutralizing influenza A virus extracellularly and blocking its interaction with the host cell receptors. This principle could potentially also be applied to the inhibition of other viruses with spiky surfaces.