Cationic Geminoid Peptide Amphiphiles Inhibit DENV2 Protease, Furin, and Viral Replication

Author(s):Show less -

Damen, Mark ; Izidoro, Mario A. ; Okamoto, Debora N. ; Oliveira, Lilian C. G. ; Amatdjais-Groenen, Helene I., V ; van Cleef, Koen W. R. ; van Rij, Ronald P. ; Dieteren, Cindy E. J. ; Girones, Daniel ; van Buuren, Bernd N. M. ; Martina, Byron E. E. ; Osterhaus, Albert D. M. E. ; Juliano, Luiz ; Scholte, Bob J. ; Feiters, Martin C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecules; v. 27, n. 10, p. 15-pg., 2022-05-01.

Abstract

Dengue is an important arboviral infectious disease for which there is currently no specific cure. We report gemini-like (geminoid) alkylated amphiphilic peptides containing lysines in combination with glycines or alanines (C15H31C(O)-Lys-(Gly or Ala)(n)Lys-NHC16H33, shorthand notation C-16-KXnK-C-16 with X = A or G, and n = 0-2). The representatives with 1 or 2 Ala inhibit dengue protease and human furin, two serine proteases involved in dengue virus infection that have peptides with cationic amino acids as their preferred substrates, with IC50 values in the lower mu M range. The geminoid C-16-KAK-C-16 combined inhibition of DENV2 protease (IC50 2.3 mu M) with efficacy against replication of wildtype DENV2 in LLC-MK2 cells (EC50 4.1 mu M) and an absence of toxicity. We conclude that the lysine-based geminoids have activity against dengue virus infection, which is based on their inhibition of the proteases involved in viral replication and are therefore promising leads to further developing antiviral therapeutics, not limited to dengue. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/50191-4 - Synthesis, kinetic studies and applications of substrates and inhibitors for proteolytic enzymes
• Grantee: Maria Aparecida Juliano
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants