What is it about?
• This study aimed to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 cell entry inhibitors from peptides derived from edible insects. • In silico methods were used to analyze 3560 fragments of 24 major proteins, leading to the identification of 10 promising insect peptide sequences that could interact with RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) on SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein - a key target for drugs/vaccines against COVID 19. • Amongst them, VPW had the best binding affinity and energy score indicating its potency amongst all ten identified insect peptides; superior even than some reported natural products!
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Why is it important?
• It is important because the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) to human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor precedes cell entry, making it a key target for drugs and vaccines against COVID 19. • This study suggests that when consumed, edible insects may be a source of putative SARS-CoV-2 cell entry inhibitors in the form of RBD binding peptides which could potentially help curb this pandemic.
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This page is a summary of: Identification of Putative Cell‐entry‐inhibitory Peptides against SARS‐CoV‐2 from Edible Insects: An
in silico
Study, eFood, September 2020, Wiley,
DOI: 10.2991/efood.k.200918.002.
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