Antiviral peptides from aquatic organisms: Functionality and potential inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Biochemistry
• Virology

Background:

• Antiviral peptides (AVPs) from aquatic organisms demonstrate efficacy against various viruses.
• AVPs function by blocking viral attachment, entry, replication, and modulating host immunity.
• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, currently lacks specific therapeutic drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of aquatic AVPs as therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.
• To discuss the properties and mechanisms of action of 32 AVPs from fish and shellfish.
• To analyze the potential of AVPs in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection based on known antiviral pathways.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of 32 aquatic AVPs and their antiviral properties.
• Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 molecular structure and entry mechanisms.
• Correlation of AVP mechanisms with coronavirus infection pathways (entry, replication, release).

Main Results:

• Aquatic AVPs exhibit diverse mechanisms against viral diseases.
• Specific AVPs have shown effectiveness against Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus.
• The review links AVP properties to potential inhibition of SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

• Aquatic AVPs represent a promising, yet unconfirmed, therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to validate the efficacy of these AVPs against SARS-CoV-2.
• Understanding AVP mechanisms against coronaviruses could lead to novel antiviral treatments.