[Screening of botulinum neurotoxin type A-binding peptides by phage display peptide library]

To seek effective inhibitor against BoNT/A, in this study, BoNT/A-binding peptides were screened from phage display peptide library using synthesized and identified mimicry peptides that contained antigenic epitopes as targets. According to the homology of the amino acid sequences of displayed peptides, most had same motifs respectively. ELISA assay confirmed that identified positive clones respectively against P4 and P5 could specifically bind BoNT/A. The mice assay showed the specific BoNT/A-binding peptides could partially protect against challenge of BoNT/A. The results from the study may aid in the future identification of more potent small molecule inhibitors against BoNT/A.