Antiviral Activities of Mastoparan-L-Derived Peptides against Human Alphaherpesvirus 1

Human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) is a significantly widespread viral pathogen causing recurrent infections that are currently incurable despite available treatment protocols. Studies have highlighted the potential of antimicrobial peptides sourced from Vespula lewisii venom, particularly those belonging to the mastoparan family, as effective against HSV-1. This study aimed to demonstrate the antiviral properties of mastoparans, including mastoparan-L [I⁵, R⁸], mastoparan-MO, and [I⁵, R⁸] mastoparan, against HSV-1. Initially, Vero cell viability was assessed in the presence of these peptides, followed by the determination of antiviral activity, mechanism of action, and dose-response curves through plaque assays. Structural analyses via circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance were conducted, along with evaluating membrane fluidity changes induced by [I⁵, R⁸] mastoparan using fluorescence-labeled lipid vesicles. Cytotoxic assays revealed high cell viability (>80%) at concentrations of 200 µg/mL for mastoparan-L and mastoparan-MO and 50 µg/mL for [I⁵, R⁸] mastoparan. Mastoparan-MO and [I⁵, R⁸] mastoparan exhibited over 80% HSV-1 inhibition, with up to 99% viral replication inhibition, particularly in the early infection stages. Structural analysis indicated an α-helical structure for [I⁵, R⁸] mastoparan, suggesting effective viral particle disruption before cell attachment. Mastoparans present promising prospects for HSV-1 infection control, although further investigation into their mechanisms is warranted.