Antiviral peptide engineering for targeting membrane-enveloped viruses: Recent progress and future directions

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Biochemistry
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Membrane-enveloped viruses pose significant global health threats, driving the need for novel antiviral strategies.
• Antiviral peptides represent a promising class of therapeutics due to their targeted mechanisms of action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in membrane-targeting antiviral peptides against enveloped viruses.
• To discuss peptide engineering strategies for enhanced antiviral efficacy and selectivity.
• To highlight the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of these peptides.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on membrane-targeting antiviral peptides.
• Analysis of mechanisms of action, including virus-cell fusion inhibition and viral envelope disruption.
• Examination of peptide engineering approaches to optimize membrane-peptide interactions.

Main Results:

• Identified two primary mechanisms for antiviral peptide activity: fusion prevention and membrane disruption.
• Discussed peptide engineering strategies to improve potency and selectivity.
• Presented application examples in animal models showcasing therapeutic and prophylactic benefits.

Conclusions:

• Membrane-targeting antiviral peptides show significant promise as therapeutics and prophylactics.
• Further emphasis on biophysical principles is recommended for refining mechanistic understanding.
• Clinical translation of these antiviral peptides requires continued research and development.