SERPIN-Derived Small Peptide (SP16) as a Potential Therapeutic Agent against HIV-Induced Inflammatory Molecules and Viral Replication in Cells of the Central Nervous System.

ABSTRACT: Despite the success of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) increasing the survival rate in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, low levels of viremia persist in the brain of patients leading to glia (microglia and astrocytes)-induced neuroinflammation and consequently, the reactivation of HIV and neuronal injury. Here, we tested the therapeutic efficacy of a Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1 (LRP-1) agonistic small peptide drug (SP16) in attenuating HIV replication and the secretion of inflammatory molecules in brain reservoirs. SP16 was developed by Serpin Pharma and is derived from the pentapeptide sequence of the serine protease inhibitor alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT). The SP16 peptide sequence was subsequently modified to improve the stability, bioavailability,

SUBMITTER: Soler Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9954444 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature