Nucleolin-binding peptides block influenza A and B replication in mice

The wire

1. 01PNAS nexus researchers report cell-penetrating peptides AGM-380d and AGM-380t bind host nucleolin, disrupt its interaction with viral nucleoprotein and cut lung viral replication and pathology in mice.
2. 02Host-directed antivirals are pitched as broad-spectrum options against seasonal and pandemic strains as resistance to existing influenza drugs rises.
3. 03Findings are limited to cell culture and mouse lethal-challenge models; no human dosing, safety or pharmacokinetic data are reported.

From the source

Host nucleolin-targeting unique peptide drugs as potent broad-spectrum anti-influenza therapies

PNAS nexus · 2026 Sep · Nguyen TH, Sharif M, Kim JH et al.