Compositions and methods for the inhibition of membrane fusion by paramyxoviruses

摘要

Fusion of the membrane of enveloped viruses with the plasma membrane of a receptive host cell is a prerequisite for viral entry and infection and an essential step in the life cycle of all enveloped viruses, such as paramyxoviruses. The instant invention is directed to providing polypeptides which are a heptad portion of a Henipavirus F protein effective against fusion between a membrane of a paramyxovirus and a plasma membrane of a cell. The instant invention also provides nucleic acids, compositions, and methods effective against paramyxovirus infection. Accordingly, the instant invention provides therapeutic agents and vaccines effective against paramyxoviruses viruses, especially HeV or NiV.