Work

Expanding the antiviral potential of the mosquito lipid‐transfer protein AEG12 against SARS‐CoV ‐2 using hydrophobic antiviral ligands

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: ) hydrophobic cavity which binds and delivers unsaturated fatty acids into biological membranes, allowing it to lyse cells and neutralize a wide range of enveloped viruses. Herein, the lytic and antiviral activities are modified with non-naturally occurring lipid ligands. We generated novel AEG12 complexes in which the endogenous fatty acid ligands were replaced with hydrophobic viral inhibitors. The resulting compounds modulated cytotoxicity and infectivity against SARS-CoV-2, potentially reflecting additional mechanisms of action beyond membrane destabilization. These studies provide valuable insight into the design of novel broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics centred on the AEG12 protein scaffold as a delivery vehicle for hydrophobic therapeutic compounds.

Source: FEBS Letters

DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14456

Authors: Alexander C. Y. Foo, Bernard A. P. Lafont, Geoffrey A. Mueller

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Language: English

Topic: SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences