PEPTIDES AND CONJUGATES THEREOF AS ACE-2 AND S1 SUBUNIT MIMICS AGAINST SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS-2 (SARS-COV2) INFECTION

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application introduces peptides and their conjugates designed to mimic ACE-2 and the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These peptides aim to prevent the virus from binding to target cells, offering a new approach for controlling and preventing COVID-19 infections. This invention falls within the fields of proteomics and virology and targets the interaction between the virus's spike protein and the host cell's ACE-2 receptor.

Background

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic, necessitating new biomolecules for treatment and prevention. The virus enters host cells through its spike protein, which interacts with the ACE-2 receptor. Current antiviral peptides are not specifically designed for these interactions, leading to a need for more targeted peptide-based drugs. The invention leverages known viral protein structures to design peptides that could inhibit viral entry.

Peptide Design

The invention details specific peptides with sequences SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4, which mimic the S1 spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. These peptides can be used individually or as complexes, potentially conjugated with nanoparticles ranging from 10 nm to 20 nm in size. These conjugates are designed to enhance the specificity and efficacy of binding to the viral spike protein, thereby inhibiting its interaction with the ACE-2 receptor.

Pharmaceutical Applications

The patent describes pharmaceutical compositions containing these mimic peptides or their conjugates, combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers like saline or glycerol. These compositions can be administered to subjects to inhibit or block SARS-CoV-2 infection by preventing the spike protein from binding to ACE-2 receptors on host cells. This method of treatment or prophylaxis could offer a new line of defense against COVID-19.

Conclusion

This invention provides a novel approach to antiviral therapy by utilizing peptides that mimic key viral interactions with host cells. By targeting the specific binding between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE-2 receptors, these peptides offer a promising solution for preventing and treating infections. The detailed sequences and potential modifications outlined in the patent provide a foundation for developing effective peptide-based therapies against SARS-CoV-2.