Membrane permeability of scaffold peptides for potential use in orally administered anti-HIV drugs

Author

• Marie Yaselly. Barreto

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Abstract

In 2006, there were over 39 million people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide, and 2.9 million HIV-related deaths. Currently, a cocktail of drugs administered via injection (HAART) has some efficacy in treating HIV, but does not eradicate HIV from infected individuals and has long-term side effects. In addition, drug-resistant variants of HIV are emerging. In an effort to help develop orally administered anti-HIV drugs, we examined membrane permeability of four scaffold peptides (synthesized by a researcher at Scripps Florida) into T-cells. One peptide (KE1-72A) entered cells with 100% efficiency; a second (KE1-72B) showed minimal cell penetration. Two other peptides (KE1-72C and KE1-72D), when chemically conjugated to an HIV fusion inhibitor, also showed minimal cell penetration. Further research is needed to determine whether the peptide KE1-72A may potentially be useful in orally delivered anti-HIV drugs.

Comments

by Marie Yaselly Barreto.

Recommended Citation

Barreto, Marie Yaselly., "Membrane permeability of scaffold peptides for potential use in orally administered anti-HIV drugs" (2007). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2003 - 2009. 39.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_1/39

Extent

vi, 23 leaves : ill. (some col.).

Identifier

309842913