Scorpion-Derived Antiviral Peptides with a Special Focus on Medically Important Viruses: An Update

Biomed Res Int. 2021 Sep 4:2021:9998420. doi: 10.1155/2021/9998420. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

The global burden of viral infection, especially the current pandemics of SARS-CoV-2, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, is a very risky one. Additionally, HCV expresses the necessity for antiviral therapeutic elements. Venoms are known to contain an array of bioactive peptides that are commonly used in the treatment of various medical issues. Several peptides isolated from scorpion venom have recently been proven to possess an antiviral activity against several viral families. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of scorpion antiviral peptides and to discuss their modes of action and potential biomedical application against different viruses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Coronavirus / drug effects
  • HIV-1 / drug effects
  • Hepatitis Viruses / drug effects
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Measles virus / drug effects
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / isolation & purification
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Scorpion Venoms / chemistry*
  • Virus Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Virus Diseases / virology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Peptides
  • Scorpion Venoms