Aptamer-based strategies against SARS-CoV-2 viruses

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has seriously threatened human life and security in recent years and has had a serious impact on economic development. A range of strategies, including antibodies, small-molecule agents and vaccines, have been developed and widely used to combat SARS-CoV-2. However, the uncertain development and susceptibility to mutation of SARS-CoV-2 pose challenges to these approaches, making it necessary to develop a broader range of strategies to complement and expand the diversity of attacks against SARS-CoV-2. As promising tools against SARS-CoV-2, aptamers have attracted wide attention due to their unique molecular properties. In this review, we survey SARS-CoV-2 aptamers and aptamer-based detection tools as well as aptamer-based therapeutics. In addition, we analyze the potential value of aptamers in the investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanism and vaccine design. Finally, we look forward to the future development direction of aptamers against SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses.