Size-dependent Rupture of Enveloped Viruses using Amphipathic Alpha-helical Peptides

Stanford researchers have discovered that amphipathic α-helical (AH) peptides that share an amino acid sequence homology to the N-terminus of HCV NS5A can rupture lipid vesicles in a size-dependent manner. Importantly, the range of vesicle sizes subject to rupture by the AH peptides encompasses the range of vesicle sizes of a significant number of enveloped viruses, rendering this approach useful to destroy viruses ex-vivo, e.g. for prevention and disinfection, as well as in-vivo in the infected individual.

Please see also the related technology "A Novel Process to Create Lipid Bilayer Membranes on Gold & TiO2 Solid Supports" (Stanford Docket S05-115).