Nebulized fusion inhibitory peptide protects cynomolgus macaques from measles virus infection

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Measles is a highly contagious airborne viral illness and a significant cause of child mortality.
• Current prevention relies heavily on vaccination, leaving unvaccinated populations vulnerable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an aerosolized lipopeptide fusion inhibitor against measles virus (MeV) respiratory infection.
• To establish a proof-of-concept for inhaled peptide delivery as a protective measure against airborne viral diseases.

Main Methods:

• Development and use of a custom mesh nebulizer for efficient aerosolized peptide delivery to the respiratory tract.
• Administration of the peptide to cynomolgus macaques followed by MeV challenge.
• Assessment of viral load (MeV RNA), infected cells, and host immune responses.

Main Results:

• Aerosolized peptide completely prevented MeV infection in treated macaques.
• No MeV RNA, MeV-infected cells, or MeV-specific humoral responses were detected in treated animals.
• The treatment demonstrated an absence of adverse effects and lung pathology.

Conclusions:

• Aerosolized fusion inhibitory peptides provide effective prophylaxis against respiratory measles virus infection.
• This strategy offers a potential new intervention for unvaccinated individuals and can be explored for other airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2.