A peptide derived from SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein with broad‐spectrum anti‐coronavirus activity.

This article discusses the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs and vaccines for coronaviruses, with a focus on the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein. The researchers designed three truncated peptides based on the structural characteristics of the N protein and evaluated their cytotoxicity and antiviral effects. The peptides showed promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and also demonstrated inhibitory effects against other coronaviruses. The study analyzed the affinity and binding sites of the peptides with the N proteins through surface plasmon resonance and molecular docking analysis. The results suggest that these peptides have potential as antiviral agents and provide insights into the antiviral strategy targeting the N protein. [Extracted from the article]