Peptide inhibitors against herpes simplex virus infections |
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Authors: | Stefania Galdiero Annarita Falanga Rossella Tarallo Luigi Russo Emilia Galdiero Marco Cantisani Giancarlo Morelli Massimiliano Galdiero |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', , 80134 Napoli, Italy;2. Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi, University of Naples 'Federico II', , 80134 Napoli, Italy;3. Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini – CNR, , 80134 Napoli, Italy;4. Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, , 80138 Napoli, Italy;5. Department of Biostructural and Fisiological Science, University of Naples 'Federico II', , Monte Sant'Angelo, Napoli, Italy |
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Abstract: | Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a significant human pathogen causing mucocutaneous lesions primarily in the oral or genital mucosa. Although acyclovir (ACV) and related nucleoside analogs provide successful treatment, HSV remains highly prevalent worldwide and is a major cofactor for the spread of human immunodeficiency virus. Encephalitis, meningitis, and blinding keratitis are among the most severe diseases caused by HSV. ACV resistance poses an important problem for immunocompromised patients and highlights the need for new safe and effective agents; therefore, the development of novel strategies to eradicate HSV is a global public health priority. Despite the continued global epidemic of HSV and extensive research, there have been few major breakthroughs in the treatment or prevention of the virus since the introduction of ACV in the 1980s. A therapeutic strategy at the moment not fully addressed is the use of small peptide molecules. These can be either modeled on viral proteins or derived from antimicrobial peptides. Any peptide that interrupts protein–protein or viral protein–host cell membrane interactions is potentially a novel antiviral drug and may be a useful tool for elucidating the mechanisms of viral entry. This review summarizes current knowledge and strategies in the development of synthetic and natural peptides to inhibit HSV infectivity. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
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Keywords: | herpesvirus antiviral peptide antimicrobial peptide |
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