Study of the action of synthetic peptides as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and combined evaluation with commercial anti-inflammatories

The persistence of human pandemics, emerging and re-emerging viruses and the evolution of viral strains dictate the search for new compounds with antiviral potential. Pandemics like the current one, caused by SARS-Cov-2, directly affect the sectors of health, economy, commerce, tourism and others. In addition, due to its high and rapid spread, there is a saturation of hospitals and health centers, a fact that contributes to the increase in deaths worldwide. In view of the current pandemic situation and the major global public health problem that the SARS-CoV-2 virus represents, in addition to the need to develop effective treatments for this disease and possible future epidemics / pandemics, the study aimed at the identification of new compounds with antiviral action against SARS-CoV-2. Thus, the aim of this study will be to identify and investigate the potential of peptides in virucidal, protective and inhibiting cytoplasmic viral replication activities. Peptides and bioconjugates have shown promising results at different stages of viral infection. At the end of the tests, the compounds will be classified into three groups (virucides, protectors and inhibitors of cytoplasmic replication) and we will identify the possible mechanisms involved in the regulation of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Additionally, we will evaluate the selected peptides together with commercial non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in order to evaluate a joint treatment for the infection and for a possible inflammatory response, common in cases of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2.