HIV infection remains a global health problem. Amyloid fibril-forming peptides from the human semen were previously shown to enhance HIV infection by facilitating the attachment of virions to cells. These peptides fall in two main groups: derivatives of prostatic acidic phosphatase (PAP), which form a semen-induced enhancer of HIV infection (SEVI), and derivatives of the semenogelins (SEM). Developing a strategy to target such peptides would provide an effective way to reduce the possibility of the sexual transmission of HIV. Using a rational approach, we have designed peptide sequences which selectively bind to the amyloids forms of SEVI or SEM, but not the non-aggregated peptides. We also have used selected peptides as the starting point for the phage display to enhance the binding and specificity. The identified peptides could potentially reduce the infectivity of HIV virions by preventing their attachment to the target cells.

Design of peptides to block association of HIV virus with human cells

2019 Spring National Meeting

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