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Molecular Foundry

HIGHLIGHTSBiomimetic Peptoids with Potent Antiviral Activity
June 13, 2021

Scientific Achievement

Cryo-EM imaging of peptoid-treated HSV-1 vs. controls and comparative analysis of results. Visible in the control samples are the viral envelope and intact capsid (both panels). In the samples treated with the peptoids we observe both disrupted envelopes (top panels) and naked capsids (bottom panels).

A team of Foundry users identified antimicrobial peptoids that can disrupt the viral envelope of the Herpes simplex virus type-1 and the SARS CoV-2 virus.

Significance and Impact

These antimicrobial peptoids have a direct effect on the virus structure, potentially rendering the viral particles non-effective. The biomimetic polymers could provide a class of molecules that are safe and effective as broad-spectrum antiviral agents.

Research Details

  • The research team generated a library of antimicrobial peptoid polymers and screened them for antiviral activity, synthesizing the 10 most promising candidates for further testing.
  • The peptoids were shown to be insensitive to breakdown by proteases and more bioavailable and stable than antimicrobial peptides.
  • The team tested the peptoid candidates against the Herpes simplex virus and identified two that disrupted the viral envelope without harming the host epithelial cells. Subsequent testing demonstrated that the peptoids also bind to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2
G. Diamond, N. Molchanova, C. Herlan, J.A. Fortkort, J.S. Lin, E. Figgins, N. Bopp, L.K. Ryan, D. Chung, R.S. Adcock, M. Sherman, A.E. Barron, Pharmaceuticals 14(4) (2021). DOI: 10.3390/ph14040304

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