Potent D-peptide Inhibitors of HIV-1 Entry

Overview

Journal Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Specialty Science

Date 2007 Oct 19

PMID 17942675

Citations 121

Authors

Brett D Welch

Andrew P VanDemark

Annie Heroux

Christopher P Hill

Michael S Kay

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

During HIV-1 entry, the highly conserved gp41 N-trimer pocket region becomes transiently exposed and vulnerable to inhibition. Using mirror-image phage display and structure-assisted design, we have discovered protease-resistant D-amino acid peptides (D-peptides) that bind the N-trimer pocket with high affinity and potently inhibit viral entry. We also report high-resolution crystal structures of two of these D-peptides in complex with a pocket mimic that suggest sources of their high potency. A trimeric version of one of these peptides is the most potent pocket-specific entry inhibitor yet reported by three orders of magnitude (IC(50) = 250 pM). These results are the first demonstration that D-peptides can form specific and high-affinity interactions with natural protein targets and strengthen their promise as therapeutic agents. The D-peptides described here address limitations associated with current L-peptide entry inhibitors and are promising leads for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

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