Development of Stable, Maleimide-Functionalized Peptidoliposomes Against SARS-CoV-2

TL;DR

Researchers developed maleimide-functionalized peptidoliposomes as a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 by stabilizing and delivering peptides that bind to the virus.

Contribution

A novel platform using maleimide-functionalized liposomes for antiviral peptide delivery is developed and optimized.

Findings

Maleimide-functionalized liposomes can bind and stabilize peptides with high affinity for SARS-CoV-2.

Optimal lipid composition and formation conditions for PEGylated liposomes were identified.

The nanocarrier technology shows potential as a universal platform for antiviral agents.

Abstract

Throughout the last 5 years, extensive research has been carried out towards the development of effective treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Regardless of the worldwide efforts, only a few drugs have passed clinical trials, and there is still a need to develop therapies, especially for those who are particularly vulnerable to a severe disease course. Maleimide-functionalized liposomes are proposed to serve as a platform for the immobilization, stabilization, and delivery of a short peptide sequence with high affinity towards severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, extensive optimizations should be performed in order to achieve features required for a reliable drug candidate, such as homogeneity of physical parameters and their long-term stability. Here, we present a step-by-step development process for maleimide-functionalized liposomes, which—once decorated with the SARS-CoV-2-binding peptide—could inhibit the infection progress of COVID-19. The main emphasis is placed on defining optimal lipid composition and formation conditions of PEGylated liposomes. We propose that the developed nanocarrier technology can be used as a universal platform for the construction of multiple antiviral agents.

Figures