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HBD-2 binds SARS-CoV-2 RBD and blocks viral entry: Strategy to combat COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: New approaches to complement vaccination are needed to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and stop COVID-19-related deaths and medical complications. Human beta defensin 2 (hBD-2) is a naturally occurring epithelial cell-derived host defense peptide that has anti-viral properties. Our comprehensive in-silico studies demonstrate that hBD-2 binds the site on the CoV-2-RBD that docks with the ACE2 receptor. Biophysical measurements confirm that hBD-2 indeed binds to the CoV-2-receptor-binding domain (RBD) (K_D ∼ 2μM by surface plasmon resonance), preventing it from binding to ACE2-expressing cells. Importantly, hBD-2 shows specificity by blocking CoV-2/spike pseudoviral infection, but not VSVG-mediated infection, of ACE2-expressing human cells with an IC₅₀ of 2.8 ± 0.4 μM. These promising findings offer opportunities to develop hBD-2 and/or its derivatives and mimetics to safely and effectively use as agents to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SUBMITTER: Zhang L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8808565 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Molecular dynamics simulations and functional studies reveal that hBD-2 binds SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and blocks viral entry into ACE2 expressing cells.

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