A novel family of peptides with potent activity against influenza A viruses
Nicol, Marlynne Q. and Ligertwood, Yvonne and Bacon, Matthew N. and Dutia, Bernadette M. and Nash, Anthony A.,, 93, 980-986 (2012),
doi = https://doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.038679-0,
publicationName = Microbiology Society,
issn = 0022-1317,
abstract= The emergence of drug-resistant strains of influenza virus has catalysed a search for new antiviral agents to supplement or replace existing drugs. Following the success of the human immunodeficiency virus entry blocker Enfuvirtide, there has been a resurgence of interest in peptide-based antivirals. In this paper, we report on the discovery of a novel family of peptides (FluPep, FP) that function as inhibitors of influenza A virus infection. The prototype peptide (FP1, also known as Tkip) interacts with haemagglutinin and inhibits the binding of the virus to cell membranes. Using a plaque-reduction assay, we have demonstrated that a variety of influenza A virus subtypes (including H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1) are inhibited by FluPep and its derivatives at nanomolar concentrations. By truncating FluPep we have identified a minimal sequence of 6 aa that binds to haemagglutinin and inhibits infection. Using a mouse model of intranasal influenza virus infection, we observed potent inhibition of virus infection when peptide is given at the time of virus administration. These data indicate that FluPep is a highly effective anti-influenza agent with the potential to translate to the clinic.,
language=,
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