Peptidoids against viruses
Antiviral drugs based on peptoids stopped COVID-19 and herpes
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
Scientists have presented a new strategy for combating various viruses, which can improve the treatment of many diseases. The new approach is based on the use of peptoids, which are much less susceptible to destruction in the body and therefore more effective.
In addition to antibodies and white blood cells, the immune system also uses peptides to fight viruses and other pathogens. It is known that synthetic peptides can enhance this protection, but they are quickly destroyed by enzymes, so they cannot become promising candidate drugs. Researchers from the USA have demonstrated that the problem can be solved by using peptoids – more stable analogues of peptides.
Counteraction to enzyme destruction occurs due to the special structure of the peptoid. If peptides consist of short sequences of amino acids with side chains linked to carbon atoms, then in peptoids the side chains are linked to nitrogen atoms, forming a structure that resists the effects of enzymes.
The first preclinical experiments showed that peptoids inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and the herpes simplex virus of the first type, blocking the possibility of infection of healthy cells.
They then confirmed the results by demonstrating that applying peptoids to the mouth area in mice protects them from the appearance of a "cold" on the lips.
Scientists are confident that the scope of peptoids goes far beyond COVID-19 and herpes.
Currently, their effectiveness is being evaluated for the treatment of infections of the ear, respiratory tract and lungs, intestines, as well as antiviral agents for covering contact lenses, implant catheters.
"The advantage of the mechanism is that treatment inactivates the virus, while standard antiviral drugs slow down its replication and thus still allow the virus to infect cells," said co-author Anneliese Barron.
In addition, it reduces the risk of developing resistance to therapy.
Clinical trials of experimental therapy are planned to be launched within a year. If the efficacy and safety of therapy for humans is confirmed, peptoids can also become a preventive tool for people in remission, as well as for people at high risk of infection.
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