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Peptides containing membrane-transiting motifs inhibit virus entry
Hermann Bultmann1, Curtis R Brandt
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|July 20, 2002
Summary
Four distinct membrane-transiting peptides showed antiviral activity, inhibiting herpes simplex virus entry into cells. This suggests viral entry inhibition is a common property of these peptides.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Membrane-transiting peptides can enter cells and deliver molecules.
- Their potential antiviral properties are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral activity of membrane-transiting peptides.
- To determine if these peptides inhibit herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry.
Main Methods:
- Tested four structurally distinct transiting peptides for antiviral activity against HSV.
- Assessed inhibition of viral entry and virion inactivation.
- Evaluated the effect of transport-disrupting modifications on antiviral activity.
Main Results:
- All four peptides inhibited HSV entry at low micromolar concentrations.
- Some peptides selectively blocked entry reversibly; others showed less distinction between entry inhibition and virion inactivation.
- Transport activity did not always correlate with antiviral activity.
Conclusions:
- Membrane-transiting peptides possess antiviral activity, specifically inhibiting viral entry.
- These peptides represent a novel class of agents for preventing infection and studying viral entry mechanisms.