Nanopeptides Stop the Binding Between the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike Protein and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE 2) Receptor

Abstract

Due to the constant appearance of new Omicron variants escaping the efficacy of existing vaccinations, researchers still need to find additional strategies to passivate the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we designed three tetrapeptides (FFFY, FFFY, and FYYY) containing phenylalanine and tyrosine as a nanomaterial nasal spray that binds to and passivates the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. According to ToxTree computational software, the peptides do not show genotoxic or non-genotoxic carcinogenicity, or potential S. typhimurium TA100 mutagenacity based on QSAR. In this manner, this study introduces three new tetrapeptides that should be further explored for a wide range of respiratory anti-viral applications.