Protease-resistant antiviral peptides to prevent COVID-19
Engineering protease-resistant antiviral peptide inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2
Modified antiviral peptides designed to block the coronavirus from entering cells, aimed at protecting people at risk of COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11370518 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating short antiviral peptides that stop the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein from fusing the virus with human cells. They attach lipids and alter the peptide backbone to make the molecules resist breakdown by proteases and stick to airway surfaces. These modified peptides are tested in the lab and in animal models for safety and ability to block infection, with the goal of making an inhaled formulation. The team plans steps toward use as a preventative treatment for people who cannot rely on vaccines alone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people at high risk of exposure or with poor vaccine responses, such as immunocompromised patients or health care workers.
Not a fit: People who already have effective immunity from vaccination or who have progressed to severe, late-stage COVID‑19 are unlikely to benefit from a prophylactic peptide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to an inhaled preventative antiviral that protects people from COVID‑19, especially those who do not respond well to vaccines.
How similar studies have performed: Lipid‑conjugated fusion‑inhibitor peptides have prevented infection by other viruses in preclinical and animal work, but applying protease‑resistant versions to SARS‑CoV‑2 is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moscona, Anne — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Moscona, Anne
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.