TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwanese research team has discovered that a natural compound found in honeysuckle can significantly inhibit the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.
The study, recently published in the international journal Virus Research, identifies a small molecule in honeysuckle known as MIR2911 that can effectively suppress the Delta variant. Researchers found that MIR2911 binds to specific sites on the virus, disrupting its ability to replicate.
Described by the team as a “stumbling block” to the virus, MIR2911 interferes with viral reproduction inside host cells, significantly reducing both transmissibility and toxicity, per CNA.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID, typically replicates rapidly during the early stages of infection. Research shows the virus can double in number approximately every six hours during this phase.
Researchers conducted clinical studies and laboratory experiments in a high-containment biosafety level 3 laboratory at National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Professor Michael Chan (陳永恩) of National Chung Cheng University and Associate Professor Tsai Huey-pin (蔡慧頻) of National Cheng Kung University confirmed that MIR2911 precisely binds to target sites on the Delta variant, effectively inhibiting replication in cells.
To enhance the compound’s stability and delivery in the human body, Professor Shen Cheng-huang (沈正煌) of Chia-Yi Christian Hospital and Associate Professor Wang Mei-lin (王梅林) of Chung Shan Medical University developed a virus-like particle delivery system. This encapsulation method improves cellular absorption and reduces potential side effects compared to traditional formulations.
National Chung Cheng University noted that MIR2911 may also hold promise against other COVID variants. The research team plans to conduct further clinical studies to develop it as a natural supplementary treatment in the global effort to combat emerging mutations and future pandemics.
MIR2911 is a plant-derived microRNA. Researchers believe its strong antiviral effect comes from its unique structure, which is rich in guanine and cytosine.
This allows MIR2911 to directly block the virus’s gene activity, stopping it from multiplying and helping the body clear the infection more quickly.
Despite the availability of vaccines and antiviral drugs, the emergence of new variants and the potential side effects of existing treatments underscore the need for alternative therapeutic options. The team believes MIR2911 could become part of a broader toolkit to fight evolving coronavirus strains and future pandemics.
