Peptides, lipopeptides, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2

Vaccines and antiviral treatments for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are progressing at an incredible rate. To protect further lives, the world is eager for treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral peptides (AVPs), also termed antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), have antiviral properties, although little is known. AVPs are a group of small polycationic antivirals (8–40 amino acids long) having strong wide-range antiviral activity. Surprisingly, AVPs have been shown to have preventive and therapeutic actions against coronaviruses (CoVs). Peptides and proteins contain significant therapeutic potential. More research is needed to explore the possibilities of a wide range of lipidated (and non-lipidated) peptide medications; lipidation is a helpful tool for reducing drug degradation and extending half-life, with some of these benefits likely due to self-assembly. This chapter aims to use peptides and lipopeptides against SARS-CoV-2.