The design of bioactive marine peptides as a HIV-1 protease inhibitor

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV or AIDS) is a disease related to the human immune system. Given its important role in viral replication, HIV1 protease (HIV1 PR) becomes the major therapeutic target in the treatment of AIDS. In this case, we need a dynamic aspect of molecular interactions that can demonstrate the important role of conformational variability in the design of HIV1 PR inhibitors. There are several inhibitor candidates from marine organisms, such as the LLEYSL and LLEYSI bioactive peptides produced by oysters (Crassostrea gigas). Objective: Proteinpeptide docking method was used in silico to identify, evaluate, and explore the molecular interactions between bioactive peptide molecules and HIV-1 protease macromolecules. Methods: The sequencing of bioactive peptide molecules was modeled into 3D conformation using the PEPFOLD software. The best conformation was chosen for the study of molecular interactions against HIV1 protease macromolecules using the PatchDock software. The molecular interactions formed were further observed using the BIOVIA Discovery Studio 2020 software. Results: The results of this study indicated that the LLEYSL bioactive peptide had the best affinity with an ACE score of minus 1284.70 kJ per mol. Conclusion: Bioactive peptide molecule is predicted to be a candidate for HIV1 protease inhibitor. Keywords: AIDS, HIV1 protease, bioactive peptides, protein-peptide docking, in silico