1. Peptide S4 is an entry inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Author
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Liang Z, Wang J, Zhang H, Gao L, Xu J, Li P, Yang J, Fu X, Duan H, Liu J, Liu T, Ma W, and Wu K
- Subjects
- Humans, COVID-19 Drug Treatment, Protein Binding, COVID-19 virology, Coronavirus NL63, Human drug effects, Coronavirus NL63, Human physiology, Chlorocebus aethiops, Animals, SARS-CoV-2 drug effects, SARS-CoV-2 physiology, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 metabolism, Virus Internalization drug effects, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus metabolism, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus antagonists & inhibitors, Peptides pharmacology, Antiviral Agents pharmacology
- Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a significant socioeconomic burden, and combating COVID-19 is imperative. Blocking the SARS-CoV-2 RBD-ACE2 interaction is a promising therapeutic approach for viral infections, as SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE2 receptors of host cells via the RBD of spike proteins to infiltrate these cells. We used computer-aided drug design technology and cellular experiments to screen for peptide S4 with high affinity and specificity for the human ACE2 receptor through structural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 interactions. Cellular experiments revealed that peptide S4 effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-NL63 viruses from infecting host cells and was safe for cells at effective concentrations. Based on these findings, peptide S4 may be a potential pharmaceutical agent for clinical application in the treatment of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Nothing to disclosure., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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