Authors:
Batista, Mariana Nogueira1 ; Sanches, Paulo Ricardo da Silva2 ; Carneiro, Bruno Moreira1 ; Braga, Ana Cláudia Silva1 ; Campos, Guilherme Rodrigues Fernandes1 ; Cilli, Eduardo Maffud2 ; Paula Rahal1
Abstract:
In recent years, synthetic peptides have been considered promising targets for drug development that possess low side-effects, are cost-effective and are susceptible to rational design. Hecate was initially described as a potent bacterial inhibitor and subsequently as an anticancer drug with functions related to its lipid interaction property. Viruses, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), have a lipid-dependent life cycle and could be affected by Hecate in many ways. Here, we assessed modifications on Hecate’s N-terminus region and its effects on HCV and hepatotoxicity. Gallic acid-conjugated Hecate was the most efficient Hecate-derivative, presenting high potential as an antiviral and inhibiting between 50 to 99% of all major steps within the HCV infectious cycle. However, the most promising aspect was GA-Hecate’s mechanism of action, which was associated with a balanced lipid interaction with the viral envelope and lipid droplets, as well as dsRNA intercalation, allowing for the possibility to affect other ssRNA viruses and those with a lipid-dependent cycle.
1 Institute of Bioscience, Language and Exact Science, UNESP – São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
2 Institute of Chemistry, UNESP – São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
Link to full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-32176-w
