Peptide candidates for the development of therapeutics and vaccines against β-coronavirus infection

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Betacoronaviruses (β-CoVs) pose significant global health threats due to their mutation and zoonotic potential.
• Conserved viral proteins involved in attachment and replication are key targets for antiviral strategies.
• Peptides have emerged as promising candidates for vaccines and therapeutics against viral pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of peptides in combating β-CoV infections.
• To explore peptide-based strategies for eliciting immune responses and inhibiting viral replication.
• To discuss challenges and future directions in developing peptide therapeutics and vaccines against β-CoVs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the role of peptides in antiviral immunity and β-CoV inhibition.
• Analysis of conserved β-CoV proteins as therapeutic targets.
• Evaluation of natural and synthetic peptides, including food-derived options.

Main Results:

• Peptides exhibit immunostimulatory and direct viral inhibitory effects against β-CoVs.
• Food-derived peptides show significant antiviral activity.
• Peptides offer specificity, tolerability, and customizability for drug development.

Conclusions:

• Peptides hold considerable potential for developing novel therapeutics and vaccines against β-CoVs.
• Overcoming challenges such as proteolytic susceptibility and low bioavailability is crucial for clinical application.
• Further research is needed to fully harness peptides for combating current and future β-CoV outbreaks.