Aptamer‐based strategies against SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses

Abstract 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.