BIOMATERIAL BASED STRATEGIES FOR VIRAL AEROSOL CAPTURE AND PREVENTION OF RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

Abstract

In the 2022-2023 flu season, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimated 21,000 deaths and 31 million symptomatic illnesses in the United States. Current FDA approved antivirals for influenza are grouped into three categories, matrix protein 2 (M2) inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI) and polymerase acidic protein cap-dependent endonuclease (CEN) inhibitors. However, limitations of these treatments have been evident. For example, NAI inhibitors require early treatment to be efficacious and some influenza strains can develop resistance to both NAI and CEN inhibitors. Thus, there is a need for new classes of antivirals as well as better understanding of influenza transmission and monitoring of influenza to inform development of efficacious interventions. In chapter 2 we describe how we design biomaterials inspired by the physiological characteristics of mucus to capture and trap pathogens. We performed studies to establish this material as a suitable substrate for viral capture and release after collection using advanced aerosol capture technology. In chapter 3, we formulate an antiviral based around polyinosinic polycytidylylic acid (polyIC). PolyIC is commonly used in research as an adjuvant in vaccine delivery through its targeting of Toll like receptor 3 (TLR3). This pathway also results in type 1 and 3 interferon production, which in turn stimulate a range of antiviral mechanisms. Because of this, it has also been investigated as a prophylactic or treatment to various viruses, including hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus and rhinovirus. However, due to stability and toxicity concerns, it has not been implemented as an inhaled treatment to induce local immunity in the lungs at the site of infection. Towards this end, we used polyethylene imine-polyethylene glycol (PEI-PEG) copolymer to condense PolyIC into nanoparticles to enhance their bioavailability in target cells. By combining the two, we can utilize the antiviral capabilities of Poly(IC) while minimizing the dosage concentration to therapeutic levels.