A new class of synthetic peptide inhibitors blocks attachment and entry of human pathogenic viruses

J Infect Dis. 2012 Jun;205(11):1654-64. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jis273. Epub 2012 Mar 28.

Abstract

Many enveloped viruses, including herpes viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are among the most important human pathogens and are often responsible for coinfections involving ≥2 types of viruses. However, therapies that are effective against multiple virus classes are rare. Here we present a new class of synthetic anti-lipopolysaccharide peptides (SALPs) that bind to heparan sulfate moieties on the cell surface and inhibit infection with a variety of enveloped viruses. We demonstrate that SALPs inhibit entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, HBV, and HCV to their respective host cells. Despite their high antiviral efficiency, SALPs were well tolerated, and neither toxicity nor measurable inhibitor-induced adverse effects were observed. Since these broad-spectrum antiviral peptides target a host cell rather than a viral component, they may also be useful for suppression of viruses that are resistant to antiviral drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / toxicity
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival
  • Heparitin Sulfate / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipopolysaccharides / metabolism
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Peptides / toxicity
  • Protein Binding
  • Virus Attachment / drug effects*
  • Virus Internalization / drug effects*
  • Viruses / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Peptides
  • Heparitin Sulfate