Spike RBD-Binding Peptides for SARS-CoV-2 Entry Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a therapeutic agent that can effectively inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection without significant side effects, as existing antiviral drugs show insignificant effects or cause adverse reactions.
Innovation Solution
Development of peptides that specifically recognize and bind to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, inhibiting its membrane fusion with host cells by targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) to neutralize the virus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing antiviral drugs (remdesivir, chloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir) are used to treat SARS-CoV-2, then some inhibitory effects are achieved at cellular level, but their effects are insignificant in actual clinical practice and they cause various side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses peptides as intermediary substances that specifically bind to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, acting as a mediator between the virus and host cells. These peptides block the virus-host cell interaction without requiring the complex mechanisms of existing antiviral drugs, thereby achieving therapeutic effects with potentially fewer side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the therapeutic parameter from small molecule drugs to peptide-based therapeutics. The peptides are designed with specific amino acid sequences that optimize binding affinity to the RBD, changing the molecular parameters of the therapeutic agent to achieve better specificity and effectiveness while reducing off-target effects
2Reliability
If peptides are designed to specifically recognize SARS-CoV-2 proteins, then specific neutralizing activity is achieved, but the complexity of peptide design and optimization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into its functional domains, specifically targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD). By focusing on this specific segment rather than the entire protein, the design process is simplified while maintaining high specificity. The peptides are designed to target this segmented region, reducing the complexity of the overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a family of peptides with varying sequences (SEQ ID NO: 1-6 and variants) that all target the same RBD region. This universal approach allows multiple peptide variants to be used for the same therapeutic purpose, simplifying the design process by using a standardized targeting strategy that can be applied across different peptide candidates
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The peptides effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking the virus-host cell binding, offering potential therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive applications.
Implementation Method 1
The peptides effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking the virus-host cell binding
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a peptide that specifically recognizes a protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or a portion thereof; a composition for preventing or treating SARS-CoV-2 infection, comprising the peptide; and a composition for detecting SARS-CoV-2, comprising the peptide.