Supramolecular Nanofibers Block SARS-CoV-2 Entry into Human Host Cells

Ruomeng Qiu, Feng Chen, Zaida Álvarez, Tristan D Clemons, Suvendu Biswas, Mark R Karver, Nozomu Takata, Hiroaki Sai, Han Peng, Steven Weigand, Liam C Palmer, Samuel I Stupp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection relies on its spike protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells to initiate cellular entry. Blocking the interactions between the spike protein and ACE2 offers promising therapeutic opportunities to prevent infection. We report here on peptide amphiphile supramolecular nanofibers that display a sequence from ACE2 in order to promote interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain. We demonstrate that displaying this sequence on the surface of supramolecular assemblies preserves its α-helical conformation and blocks the entry of a pseudovirus and its two variants into human host cells. We also found that the chemical stability of the bioactive structures was enhanced in the supramolecular environment relative to the unassembled peptide molecules. These findings reveal unique advantages of supramolecular peptide therapies to prevent viral infections and more broadly for other targets as well.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)26340-26348
Number of pages9
JournalACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
Volume15
Issue number22
Early online date26 May 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Jun 2023
Externally publishedYes

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