Manbit Shubhadarsi Panda

Abstract Enveloped viruses can enter the host cells by endocytosis and subsequently fuse with the endosomal membranes, or fuse with the plasma membrane at the cell surface. The crucial stage of viral infection, regardless of the route taken to enter the host cell, is membrane fusion. The present work aims to develop a peptide-based fusion inhibitor that prevents membrane fusion by modifying the properties of the participating membranes, without targeting a protein.

Abstract Enveloped viruses can enter the host cells by endocytosis and subsequently fuse in the endosome, or fuse at the cell surface. The crucial stage of viral infection, regardless of the route taken to enter the host cell, is membrane fusion. Entry inhibitors usually work by blocking the formation of the six-helix bundle of the viral fusion protein and inhibiting fusion.