Peters, M. H.; Pei, X. Y.

We have developed a 23 residue, optimized helical peptide biomimetic from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein binding partner ACE2 that demonstrated a Therapeutic Index (TI) of >~20 in authentic viral cell challenge assays, including WT and Omicron strains. The therapeutic is an optimized \"peptide decoy\" based on the viruss human cell target ACE2 and, as such, may have more general applicability across coronavirus family members that use ACE2 for cellular entry. We experimentally verify a comprehensive, rational optimization strategy of the peptide through improved binding, helical content, and solubility from its native sequence. These techniques may have general applicability for helical peptide optimization for other therapeutic targets as well. Importantly, techniques also exist for protecting helical peptides in vivo for improved delivery. Peptides are readily modifiable with single residue substitutions for quick response to mutated targets, and they typically have relatively low toxicity and ease of manufacturing, making peptides extremely attractive as biological therapeutics against viral pathogens. The general concept of using peptide decoys across other viral human cell targets is also discussed.