Viruses traverse the human proteome through peptide interfaces that can be biomimetically leveraged for drug discovery

International audienceSignificance Viruses have designed small protein interfaces to interact with human proteins. These viral peptides are original molecules to modulate the activity of host targets and an inspiration to create original drugs. Here, the wealth of virus-host protein interactions existing in the literature is integrated in an substantial database. A sample peptide library is screened against several pathogens, highlighting peptides modulators of replication. From one of them, a drug discovery program identifies highly potent antiviral molecules interacting with human metabolic targets. These molecules are proven to be active for treatment of mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with chronic kidney disease. Our approach validates an original biomimetic framework to address cellular functions for fundamental applications and drug discovery