Topic Editors

Exploring Nanoparticle-Based Antivirals for a Virus-Free Future
Topic Information
Dear Colleagues,
Much progress has been made in the preparation and use of engineered nanomaterials in the field of medicine, mainly for antibacterial and antiviral applications. The highly successful lipid nanoparticle (LNP)‐based RNA vaccines for COVID‐19 are the best examples of nanotechnology use in infection prophylaxis. General antiviral mechanisms of nanoscale interventions should include the following: (a) the inactivation of the virus through direct binding, complex bond formation and electrostatic interaction; (b) blocking host receptors such as heparan sulfate (HS) and sialic acid (SA); (c) the nanoparticle delivery of antivirals against viruses; and (d) blocking intracellular virus replication. Several nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles (mostly Au- and Ag-based ones) have exhibited natural virucidal effects based on their specific physiochemical properties. Furthermore, nanoparticles can stimulate innate immune response due to their similarity to naturally existing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) present on immune cells such as antigen antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and others such as neutrophils, mast cells, and NK cells. Additionally, nanoparticles can protect, stabilize, and present foreign particles (antigens) to APCs such as macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and B cells. Metal nanoparticles have shown the ability to act as adjuvants by modulating the immunogenicity of the antigen through various mechanisms. Considering drug resistance to traditional therapies and the appearance of new/re-emerging viral pathogens, the development of versatile nanomaterials with potent antiviral and immunomodulatory effects is under intensive investigation. For this Topic, we welcome the submission of original research papers and review articles spanning the entire spectrum of nanoparticle-based antivirals from both virus and host perspectives. We also encourage the submission of articles that present strategies for future antiviral development considering the complexity of host–virus interactions and the usefulness of existing treatments targeting the induction of virus-specific response.
Prof. Dr. Malgorzata Krzyzowska
Dr. Marcin Chodkowski
Topic Editors
Keywords
- DNA viruses
- RNA viruses
- nanoparticles
- nano-adjuvants
- nanotechnology
- nanomaterials
Participating Journals
Journal Name | Impact Factor | CiteScore | Launched Year | First Decision (median) | APC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]()
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|
4.9 | 8.1 | 2000 | 16.8 Days | CHF 2900 | Submit |
![]()
Microbiology Research
|
2.1 | 1.9 | 2010 | 15.4 Days | CHF 1600 | Submit |
![]()
Microorganisms
|
4.1 | 7.4 | 2013 | 11.7 Days | CHF 2700 | Submit |
![]()
Nanomaterials
|
4.4 | 8.5 | 2010 | 14.1 Days | CHF 2400 | Submit |
![]()
Pharmaceutics
|
4.9 | 7.9 | 2009 | 15.5 Days | CHF 2900 | Submit |
Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary platform offering a preprint service designed to facilitate the early sharing of your research. It supports and empowers your research journey from the very beginning.
MDPI Topics is collaborating with Preprints.org and has established a direct connection between MDPI journals and the platform. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by posting their preprints at Preprints.org prior to publication:
- Share your research immediately: disseminate your ideas prior to publication and establish priority for your work.
- Safeguard your intellectual contribution: Protect your ideas with a time-stamped preprint that serves as proof of your research timeline.
- Boost visibility and impact: Increase the reach and influence of your research by making it accessible to a global audience.
- Gain early feedback: Receive valuable input and insights from peers before submitting to a journal.
- Ensure broad indexing: Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.