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Peptide inhibition of human cytomegalovirus infection

Lilia I Melnik1, Robert F Garry, Cindy A Morris

  • 1Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA.

Virology Journal
|February 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

New therapeutic peptides targeting human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B show promise in preventing viral infection by inhibiting viral entry. These novel peptides offer a potential alternative to current treatments facing drug resistance and cytotoxicity issues.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Drug Discovery
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a prevalent congenital infection and opportunistic pathogen.
  • Current HCMV treatments are limited by drug resistance and toxicity.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to combat HCMV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop therapeutic peptides targeting HCMV glycoprotein B (gB).
  • To inhibit the fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes, preventing HCMV entry.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Wimley-White Interfacial Hydrophobicity Scale (WWIHS) to identify gB regions interacting with lipid bilayers.
  • Synthesized peptides analogous to WWIHS-positive gB sequences.
  • Evaluated peptide inhibition of HCMV infection in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.

Main Results:

  • Several synthetic peptides demonstrated inhibition of HCMV infectivity.
  • Peptide 174-200 showed up to 80% inhibition at 100 μM.
  • Peptide 233-263 achieved 97% inhibition at 100 μM.
  • Combined peptides 264-291 and 297-315 inhibited infection by 67% at 0.125 μM each.

Conclusions:

  • Peptides targeting putative fusogenic domains of gB are effective in inhibiting HCMV infection.
  • These peptides represent a promising basis for developing novel HCMV therapeutics.
Abstract

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