Inhibition of Measles Viral Fusion Is Enhanced by Targeting Multiple Domains of the Fusion Protein

Abstract

Measles virus (MeV) infection remains a significant public health threat despite ongoing global efforts to increase vaccine coverage. As eradication of MeV stalls, and vulnerable populations expand, effective antivirals against MeV are in high demand. Here, we describe the development of an antiviral peptide that targets the MeV fusion (F) protein. This antiviral peptide construct is composed of a carbobenzoxy-d-Phe-l-Phe-Gly (fusion inhibitor peptide; FIP) conjugated to a lipidated MeV F C-terminal heptad repeat (HRC) domain derivative. Initial <i>in vitro</i> testing showed high antiviral potency and specific targeting of MeV F-associated cell plasma membranes, with minimal cytotoxicity. The FIP and HRC-derived peptide conjugates showed synergistic antiviral activities when administered individually. However, their chemical conjugation resulted in markedly increased antiviral potency. <i>In vitro</i> mechanistic experiments revealed that the FIP-HRC lipid conjugate exerted its antiviral activity predominantly through stabilization of the prefusion F, while HRC-derived peptides alone act predominantly on the F protein after its activation. Coupled with <i>in vivo</i> experiments showing effective prevention of MeV infection in cotton rats, FIP-HRC lipid conjugates show promise as potential MeV antivirals <i>via</i> specific targeting and stabilization of the prefusion MeV F structure.