A therapeutic peptide that treats Influenza A virus
Worldwide seasonal influenza epidemics can impact 5 – 15% of the population. The occurrence of vaccine mismatch to circulating influenza strains has resulted in current vaccination strategies offering limited protection. Furthermore current antiviral medications are becoming ineffective due to mutations and drug resistant influenza strains.
Emory University researchers have found that peptides secreted through the skin of native Southern Indian frogs ( Hyalarana malabarica) have potent virucidal effects against H1 hemagglutinin-bearing human influenza A viruses. The peptides effectively limit proliferation of H1N1 influenza strains and have the potential to be developed into potent antiviral therapeutics. When tested against drug resistant strains of H1N1, the peptide was found to significantly reduce the viral titers of all drug resistant virus strains.
Intranasal delivery of the peptide administered in mouse models.
Publication: Holthausen, D.J. et al. Immunity. 2017; 46: 587–595.