Histidine-rich Modification of a Scorpion-derived Peptide Improves Bioavailability and Inhibitory Activity against HSV-1

Zeng, Zhengyang; Zhang, Runhong; Hong, Wei; Cheng, Yuting; Wang, Huijuan; Lang, Yange; Ji, Zhenglin; Wu, Yingliang; Li, Wenxin; Xie, Youli; Cao, Zhijian

Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) is one of the most common human pathogens, infecting 70-90% of the human population [1] . Humans are the only natural hosts of HSV, and HSV infection is almost exclusively limited to epithelial cells and peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons [2] . HSV can cause diseases ranging from mild conditions to lethal infections, including mucocutaneous lesions in labialis and skin, herpes keratitis and herpes encephalitis [3] . Most of the licensed treatments are based on nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. However, current treatments are unable to prevent establishment of latency and reactivation of latent virus [4] . Due to the drug resistance, side effects, and poor bioavailability associated with current treatments and the lack of an effective HSV-1 vaccine, the discovery and development of novel anti-HSV-1 agents are still urgent.