Dual-functional peptide with defective interfering genes effectively protects mice against avian and seasonal influenza

Hanjun Zhao, Kelvin K.W. To, Hin Chu, Qiulu Ding, Xiaoyu Zhao, Cun Li, Huiping Shuai, Shuofeng Yuan, Jie Zhou, Kin Hang Kok, Shibo Jiang, Kwok Yung Yuen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Limited efficacy of current antivirals and antiviral-resistant mutations impairs anti-influenza treatment. Here, we evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antiviral effect of three defective interfering genes (DIG-3) of influenza virus. Viral replication is significantly reduced in cell lines transfected with DIG-3. Mice treated with DIG-3 encoded by jetPEI-vector, as prophylaxis and therapeutics against A(H7N7) virus, respectively, have significantly better survivals (80% and 50%) than control mice (0%). We further develop a dual-functional peptide TAT-P1, which delivers DIG-3 with high efficiency and concomitantly exerts antiviral activity by preventing endosomal acidification. TAT-P1/DIG-3 is more effective than jetPEI/DIG-3 in treating A(H7N7) or A(H1N1)pdm09-infected mice and shows potent prophylactic protection on A(H7N7) or A(H1N1)pdm09-infected mice. The addition of P1 peptide, which prevents endosomal acidification, can enhance the protection of TAT-P1/DIG-3 on A(H1N1)pdm09-infected mice. Dual-functional TAT-P1 with DIG-3 can effectively protect or treat mice infected by avian and seasonal influenza virus.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2358
JournalNature Communications
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 The Author(s).

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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