The amphibian peptide Yodha is virucidal for Zika and dengue viruses

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Song Hee Lee, Emory University; Eui Ho Kim, Emory University; Justin T. O'neal, Emory University; Gordon Dale, Emory University; David J. Holthausen, Emory University; James R. Bowen, Emory University; Kendra M. Quicke, Emory University; Ioanna Skountzou, Emory University; Shyla Gopal, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology; Sanil George, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology; Jens Wrammert, Emory University; Mehul Suthar, Emory University; Joshy Jacob, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-01-12
• Publisher: NATURE RESEARCH
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2021.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80596-4
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 602
• End Page: 602
• Grant/Funding Information: The Electron Microscopy data described here was gathered on the JEOL JEM-1400 120kV TEM supported by a National Institutes of Health Grant S10 RR025679. This work was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health grants R01AI100110 (J.J), U19AI083019 (M.S) and R56AI110516 (M.S.S). R56AI110516 (M.S) and ORIP/OD P51OD011132 (M.S and J.J), Emory University Department of Pediatrics Junior Faculty Focused Award (M.S.S), Emory Vaccine Center, and The Georgia Research Alliance (M.S).
• Keywords: Multidisciplinary Sciences; Science & Technology; Science & Technology - Other Topics
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Epidemiology

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a serious health threat in the Americas and the Caribbean. ZIKV is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, sexual contact, and blood transfusion. ZIKV can also be transmitted to the developing fetus in utero, in some cases resulting in spontaneous abortion, fetal brain abnormalities, and microcephaly. In adults, ZIKV infection has been correlated with Guillain–Barre syndrome. Despite the public health threat posed by ZIKV, neither a vaccine nor antiviral drugs for use in humans are currently available. We have identified an amphibian host defense peptide, Yodha, which has potent virucidal activity against ZIKV. It acts directly on the virus and destroys Zika virus particles within 5 min of exposure. The Yodha peptide was effective against the Asian, African, and South American Zika virus strains and has the potential to be developed as an antiviral therapeutic in the fight against Zika virus. The peptide was also effective against all four dengue virus serotypes. Thus, Yodha peptide could potentially be developed as a pan-therapeutic for Zika and dengue viruses.