5-MER Peptide to Ameliorate Coronavirus-Induced Inflammation of the Upper Respiratory Tract and Lungs

This study will test the hypothesis that treatment with a peptide comprising five units (5-MER), which is administered by injection or oral delivery, will substantially reduce chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and lungs, thus ameliorating the effects of the Coronavirus disease. This will be achieved by targeting a major pro-inflammatory protein called SAA which plays an active role in the development of the disease. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the 5-MER peptide may also activate genes that provide resistance to chronic inflammation mediated by Coronavirus.

Prof. Naor’s research is based on his lab’s finding that a synthetic very short peptide, substantially reduced inflammation in models of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases and multiple sclerosis. Studies in his lab point to Serum Amyloid A (SAA) as the target for this peptide, which is also capable of activating genes that may contribute to resistance against chronic inflammations. In SARS, the previous Coronavirus global epidemic disease, SAA was found to increase significantly and was proposed as a suitable marker for the disease. The Naor lab has already shown the 5-MER peptide inhibits inflamed tissues stimulated with SAA.

Project manager

Keren-Or Amar
VP, Business Development, Healthcare

Project researchers

David Naor
HUJI, School of Medicine - IMRIC
Immunology and Cancer Research