Japanese Scientists Create Peptide to Block COVID-19 Infections

Researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo and Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University have developed a groundbreaking peptide that can prevent COVID-19 infections by targeting the virus’s spike proteins. This peptide, a short chain of 39 natural amino acids, has shown promising results in lab tests involving human cells and hamsters.

The team, led by Distinguished Professor Yoshinori Fujiyoshi and Assistant Professor Shun Nakamura, used advanced cryogenic electron microscopy to study the 3D structure of the spike protein’s binding surface. They designed the peptide to tightly attach to this surface, blocking the virus from infecting human cells by preventing it from binding to the ACE2 receptor.

One of the most exciting aspects of this discovery is its potential to work against all COVID-19 variants. Even as the virus mutates, the main chain of the spike protein that interacts with ACE2 remains unchanged, making the peptide effective across strains.

The peptide is cost-effective, easy to produce, and can be stored as a powder at room temperature. For use, it can be dissolved in saline and administered as a fine spray through a nebulizer, making it a practical option for both prevention and treatment.

Professor Fujiyoshi emphasized that the peptide specifically targets spike proteins, reducing the risk of side effects. The team is now preparing for physician-led clinical trials to further test its safety and effectiveness.

This research, set to be published in the U.S. journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could pave the way for similar treatments for other viruses. The team is already exploring the development of a peptide to combat influenza, which also relies on spike proteins (called hemagglutinin) to infect cells.

This breakthrough offers hope for a new, versatile tool in the fight against COVID-19 and potentially other infectious diseases in the future.

Photo credit @JIJI press