Discovery of Cyclic Peptide Ligands to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Using mRNA Display.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to substantial morbidity, mortality, and disruption globally. Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by the viral spike protein, and affinity ligands to this surface protein have the potential for applications as antivirals and diagnostic reagents. Here, we describe the affinity selection of cyclic peptide ligands to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) from three distinct libraries (in excess of a trillion molecules each) by mRNA display. We identified six high affinity molecules with dissociation constants (K _D) in the nanomolar range (15-550 nM) to the RBD. The highest affinity ligand could be used as an affinity reagent to detect the spike protein in solution by ELISA, and the cocrystal struc

SUBMITTER: Norman A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8189037 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature