Bioprospecting for Antiviral Peptides
Abstract
Mosquito-borne alphaviruses such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) are of great concern due to their potential to cause severe acute human disease and the absence of effective treatment options. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) of innate immunity are a promising resource for the development of new antiviral therapeutics. We aim to develop a bioprospecting-inspired process for the discovery of antiviral CAMPs, using VEEV as a model arbovirus. Our process combines novel antiviral peptide harvesting microparticles, advanced mass spectrometry, and data analysis tools to identify potential antiviral peptides. Our studies focus on CAMPs from alligators and snakes, which have been suggested as potential reservoir species. We have produced particles for the identification of peptides that target VEEV-infected leukocytes. Development of particles to identify peptides that target VEEV is nearly complete. Development of conditions for stimulating reptile blood are nearly complete and development of our statistical analysis approach has progressed. In the coming quarter, antiviral CAMP discovery efforts will increase.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1095269
Entities
People
- Barney M Bishop
- Kylene Kehn-Hall
Organizations
- George Mason University