Modified host defence peptide GF19 slows TNT-mediated spread of corneal herpes simplex virus serotype I infection

Corneal HSV-1 infections are a leading cause of infectious blindness globally by triggering tissue damage due to the intense inflammation. HSV-1 infections are treated mainly with antiviral drugs that clear the infections but are inefficient as prophylactics. The body produces innate cationic host defence peptides (cHDP), such as the cathelicidin LL37. Various epithelia, including the corneal epithelium, express LL37. cHDPs can cause disintegration of pathogen membranes, stimulate chemokine production, and attract immune cells. Here, we selected GF17, a peptide containing the LL37 fragment with bioactivity but with minimal cytotoxicity, and added two cell-penetrating amino acids to enhance its activity. The resulting GF19 was relatively cell-friendly, inducing only partial activation of antigen presenting immune cells in vitro. We showed that HSV-1 spreads by tunneling nanotubes in cultured human corneal epithelial cells. GF19 given before infection was able to block infection, most likely by blocking viral entry. When cells were sequentially exposed to viruses and GF19, the infection was attenuated but not arrested, supporting the contention that the GF19 mode of action was to block viral entry. Encapsulation into silica nanoparticles allowed a more sustained release of GF19, enhancing its activity. GF19 is most likely suitable as a prevention rather than a virucidal treatment.